Confidential sexual abuse, rape and sexual violence support for adults across the UK.
A safe place to talk when you are ready.
Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Support in the UK
Seen & Believed ISVA Services
Welcome
If you have experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence and are unsure where to turn, you are not alone.
You may be living with the impact of rape, sexual assault, drink or drug spiking, consent concerns, sexual coercion, or childhood sexual abuse. You may feel confused, overwhelmed, ashamed, or uncertain about what happened — even if it occurred years ago.
As an ISVA I provide specialist, independent sexual abuse and sexual violence support for adults across the UK. My approach is trauma-informed, calm, and centred around your pace and choices.
You do not need certainty, clear memories, or a formal report to access support. Many survivors reach out while still questioning whether their experience “counts.” You are welcome to seek support even in that uncertainty.
Sessions are confidential and delivered via secure phone or video, allowing you to access professional support from a place that feels safe and private.
If you are currently on a waiting list for sexual abuse or sexual violence services, independent support can offer timely care and a steady space while you wait.
You deserve to be heard, believed, and supported — at your own pace.
How I can help you
You may not be sure what you need yet. You may only know that something feels difficult, confusing, or heavy to carry alone.
Support with me is gentle, practical, and always at your pace.
You may want support with:
• Making sense of confusing or mixed feelings
• Shame, self-blame, or memory gaps
• Feeling unsettled after a sexual experience
• Understanding trauma responses
• Grounding and stabilisation when things feel overwhelming
You do not need certainty to begin.
If you are considering next steps, we can:
• Talk through reporting to the police
• Explore medical or forensic options
• Prepare for appointments or meetings
• Clarify your rights
• Liaise with other services if helpful
There is never any pressure to report or take action.
Support can still help if you are:
• Questioning consent
• Worried you may have been spiked
• Minimising something that still feels wrong
• Unsure whether your experience is “serious enough”
You do not need proof or a clear label.
It is never too late to seek support for:
• Childhood sexual abuse
• Abuse within a relationship
• Exploitation or coercion
• Experiences you have never spoken about
About me
Seen & Believed ISVA Services was created from a belief that survivors deserve to be met with kindness, patience, and compassion during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
I am a fully qualified Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) with experience in both specialist charity services and as a Police Sexual Offences Liaison Officer (SOLO). I have supported individuals affected by sexual violence, domestic abuse, and complex trauma, working collaboratively with detectives and multi-agency partners to ensure coordinated, compassionate support.
Seen & Believed ISVA Services offers a calm, independent space alongside those services — somewhere you can pause, feel heard without urgency, and receive steady emotional and practical support at your own pace.
My aim is simple: to help things feel just that little bit easier, offering warmth, belief, and a safe space so you don’t have to carry things alone.
Paula Hollick - ISVA - Dip TST Level 4
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to report to the police to receive support?
No. You do not have to report to receive support. You can talk, ask questions, explore options, or simply have a space to feel heard. Any decisions about reporting are always yours, and support is available whether you choose to report or not.
Can I reach out if I’m unsure or just have questions?
Yes. You don’t need to have clarity, be ready to share your story, or know what you want. Many people reach out simply to ask questions, understand their options, or explore whether what happened to them was wrong. You can take things one step at a time.
Is what I share confidential?
Yes. What you share is treated with care and confidentiality. There may be times where safeguarding responsibilities mean information needs to be shared to support safety, but this would always be approached with openness and explained to you wherever possible so there are no surprises.
I'm at crisis point. Can you help?
Seen & Believed ISVA Services is not able to provide emergency or crisis intervention,
including support for immediate suicidal thoughts or risk of harm.
If you feel you are in immediate danger or at risk of harm, please contact 999 for urgent support.
If you are in emotional crisis, you may also wish to contact NHS 111 (mental health option), your GP, or Samaritans on 116 123.
You are very welcome to reach out when things feel safer, and I can offer gentle ongoing support, stabilisation, and advocacy at your own pace.
Get in touch
Support is available
You don’t need to have the right words to make contact. You are welcome to reach out with a question, a few words, or simply to explore whether support feels right for you.
There is no expectation to commit to ongoing sessions — you can move at a pace that feels manageable.
Sessions are flexible and typically start from £35 per hour.
We can talk together about what feels comfortable for you.
You can also connect with Seen & Believed ISVA Services on social media for gentle information, reassurance, and updates.
Seen & Believed offers independent emotional and advocacy support but is not a crisis or emergency service. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent mental health support, please contact emergency services or an appropriate crisis organisation.
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