SARSAS Learning Disabilities and Autism Project

We offer a specialist service for survivors of sexual violence and abuse who have a learning disability, communication support needs and/or Autism.

Support we offer:

1-1 Specialist Support Work

This focuses on making sure you are in a safe place and giving you tools and information for improved mental health and wellbeing. We have specialist support workers who work with women with learning disabilities and/or autism who have experienced sexual abuse.

• Specialist support workers can support women with learning disabilities and autism to understand the impact of sexual abuse.

• The specialist support workers can provide up to six months support. They will work with the person to understand the support they need.

• We understand that not everyone will communicate in the same way. We take time to work with the person we are supporting to understand what will work best for them.

• The support could be practical or emotional support such as relaxation techniques and self-care. We can also provide advocacy, for example if you need support to attend meetings or write a letter. We provide resources that are accessible, including easy-read and large print.

• As well as providing specialist support, we want to raise awareness with professionals working in health and social care of the needs of women with learning disabilities and autism who have experienced sexual abuse, and how best to support them.

• We want to empower women with learning disabilities and autism to understand healthy relationships and consent. We also offer workshops and training around sexual consent.

How to get support?

You can call our helpline on 0808 801 0456 or email us at info@sarsas.org.uk.

If you are a professional then you can also fill in a referral form, which can be found on our website: www.sarsas.org.uk

Resources

The SARSAS Easy Read Self Help Guide

What is Sexual Consent Booklet

The SARSAS Learning Disabilities and Autism Project Leaflet

About the SARSAS Learning Disabilities and Autism Project

The SARSAS Learning Disabilities and Autism Project aims to provide support to individuals and organisations to make sure people with learning disabilities and autism who have experienced rape and sexual abuse are able to access support to help them cope and recover.

The project includes support for individuals, training for professionals, and developing accessible support resources.

The project is guided by two advisory groups: one made up of women with learning disabilities and autism. The other made up of national professionals with a keen interest and expertise who support the project.

The project is funded by the Three Guinea’s Trust.