Learning disability and Autism support

We have a specialist service for women affected by rape and sexual abuse who are Autistic and/or have a learning disability, disabilities, and communication support needs.

The information on this page is also available in EASY READ.

How to contact SARSAS

What support can I get?

1-1 Specialist Support Work
Your support worker will:

  • make sure you feel safe
  • give you practical support such as writing a letter or talking to other support services
  • give you emotional support such as information on improving your mental health and healthy relationships.

We understand that not everyone will communicate in the same way. We will support you in the way that works best for you.

Our specialist support service can be face-to-face in Bristol or Taunton. In other areas, you can get support on the telephone or online (Microsoft Teams).

We also provide workshops and training around sexual consent.

**We have chosen to use ‘identity-first’ language when talking about Autistic people. This means that we say ‘Autistic people’ rather than ‘people with autism’.
This is based on feedback from our lived experience advisory group, who have told us that this is their preferred language.
**

Questions you might have

Safeguarding and privacy information

Support and information

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Cover your tracks

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Friends and family resources

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General information

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I need help

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Information on rape and sexual abuse

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Refer yourself

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SARSAS self-help guides

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Support services

The latest from our news and blogs

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Meet our new CEO: Lorri Weaving

We’re delighted to welcome Lorri Weaving as our new CEO. Lorri joined the SARSAS team three and a half years ago as Head of Services.
During this time, she’s been instrumental in helping to develop our service delivery teams, including our counselling, specialist support work and pathway navigation teams, as well as our helpline services.

Trans inclusion best practice sharing event

Trans inclusion best practice sharing event

During LGBT History Month we held our second national trans inclusion best practice sharing event for professionals working in the sector.

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Neuroplasticity: the power of the brain in healing after sexual violence

An experience of rape or sexual abuse can impact us physically, emotionally, and psychologically. It’s common to struggle with feelings of shame, self-blame, and negative thoughts afterwards.