Who is at the Emerald Centre?
Emerald Centre Manager & Administrator
The Emerald Centre has two permanent staff members, the Manager who is a nurse, counsellor and a Sexual Offences Examiner (SOE) and the SARC Administrator who is also a trained crisis worker. Their job is to ensure you have access to all the appropriate services following a sexual assault and will coordinate your care.
Crisis Workers
A crisis worker is the first point of contact within the Emerald Centre. Your crisis worker will meet you upon your arrival at the centre & stay with you throughout your visit. Your crisis worker is there to support you and to explain everything to you whilst you are at the Emerald Centre. They will talk you through what to expect from the medical examination should you choose to have one. They will provide you with clean clothes & refreshments, and ensure you are fully in control of everything that happens to you there. We believe in giving you a choice.
A crisis worker is a highly trained, yet a compassionate and empathetic professional, who is skilled at supporting people at a time of trauma and personal crisis.
All of our crisis workers are female and have been selected on the basis of their integrity and openness. They know how important it is for your voice to be heard at this time – it is their job to make sure you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about your immediate options. They will carefully explain the options open to you, including the process of a forensic medical examination.
At times of stress and trauma, it is normal to feel shocked and numb. It can be difficult to take in and understand what is being said to you. It can be frightening when you feel that you are losing control of a situation. Your crisis worker is trained to make sure that they listen to the information being asked or given to you and to observe what is happening all around you. They represent you and your best interests and make sure that you have the time and space to reflect on what is being said so that you can make an informed decision regarding your choices.
Above all else, your crisis worker is there to make sure that you are treated with dignity and respect at all times
Initial Contact Officer (ICO)
If you wish to report a rape or serious sexual offence to the police an officer may also accompany you to the Emerald Centre. For additional information regarding the role of an Initial Contact Officer, please click here.
Forensic Medical Examiner (FME) / Sexual Offences Examiner (SOE)
If you choose to have a forensic medical examination, a specially trained nurse (Sexual Offences Examiner) or doctor (Forensic Medical Examiner) will come to the centre to see you. They are able to take samples for evidence and support you with any immediate health concerns. They will get consent from you, on every aspect of the examination which can be stopped at any time. They will also seek consent from you to share any information/ services that can help support you afterwards.
Specifically, the forensic medical exam includes:
• Information gathering from the victim for the forensic medical history;
• An examination/medical assessment;
• Coordination of treatment of injuries;
• Documentation of biological and physical findings;
• Collection of evidence from the victim’s body;
• Information, treatment and/or referrals for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and other non-acute medical concerns;
• Follow-up care as needed to facilitate additional healing, treatment or collection of evidence
A forensic medical examination is carried out by a qualified and experienced doctor or nurse. The purpose of the examination is to gather any forensic evidence that may be available following a rape or sexual assault. This may include making an accurate record of any injuries that you may have sustained and collecting any DNA evidence that may be present. The importance of the examination is that it could potentially provide important evidence should you decide to make a report to the Police which subsequently goes to court.
Following the forensic medical examination you will be able to have a shower in a private bathroom and you will be given your own personal toiletries kit. You will also be provided with a brand new set of clothes which will consist of underwear, t-shirt, fleece joggers and a fleece sweatshirt. The reason for this is that your own clothes may have been gathered and stored for forensic evidence. We have sizes to cater for everyone and we have female and male clothing and toiletries packs.
Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA)
ISVA stands for Independent Sexual Violence Advisor – ISVAs are staff members within the Emerald Centre who develop comprehensive support packages for clients after they have visited the Emerald Centre. They tend to work with those who have complex needs and require more intensive support, nevertheless everybody is offered support from the Emerald Centre staff team including the options and services available for aftercare.
Our Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) offer specialist ongoing practical and emotional support to individuals with complex needs, aged 13 and over who have been raped or sexually assaulted. They can help those affected come to terms with what has happened and explain the options available to them. If required they can make referrals into different agencies for example, counselling, sexual health, mental health, substance misuse and housing. They can also provide an advocacy role if necessary. They can support and advise on what to expect throughout the criminal justice system, from police interviews, throughout and beyond the court process.
If you wish they can also go with you to the following, although this list is not exhaustive:
Police, if you choose to report the assault
GUM (Genitor-Urinary Medicine) Clinic
Solicitors
Doctors
Housing
Court
Counselling
Drug & Alcohol Services
Your Independent Sexual Violence Advisor will only provide the support you choose.
An ISVA provides face to face, telephone, text and email support to young people and adults from the age of 13 and over. The service is mainly aimed at those referrals where a criminal investigation/prosecution is taking place, but we will see and assess others and signpost or refer them on to other agencies that can best meet their needs.
An ISVA supports the client through the criminal justice system, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within the system.
An ISVA can support the client in the witness statement and during the trial phase in conjunction with witness services.
An ISVA will liaise with the police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on behalf of the client and with the client’s consent; keep the victim informed about case progress on behalf of the police (Witness Care Unit) in line with the requirements of the Victims Code of Practice.
Participate in case conferences with the police, CPS and prosecuting barrister
Understand the need for some clients accessing special measures and advocate on their behalf where necessary in relation to their provision.
Explain and advise on criminal legal, and if relevant, civil remedies and housing options to clients.
Provide information and support in relation to Criminal Injuries Compensation.
Where relevant, keep other agencies informed about important changes in client’s situation.
To consider safeguarding issues (children and vulnerable adults) and liaise with the SARC manager in accordance with safeguarding policies.
To help the client develop their own support network and refer on to other agencies for long term support needs
The Emerald Centre can accept self referrals from the age of 13 years; under that age we will help the young person access the person or service that can help them. At all times we will consider safeguarding requirements and whether a disclosure is needed to protect that young person or other young or vulnerable people
The Emerald Centre has two permanent staff members, the Manager who is a nurse, counsellor and a Sexual Offences Examiner (SOE) and the SARC Administrator who is also a trained crisis worker. Their job is to ensure you have access to all the appropriate services following a sexual assault and will coordinate your care.
Crisis Workers
A crisis worker is the first point of contact within the Emerald Centre. Your crisis worker will meet you upon your arrival at the centre & stay with you throughout your visit. Your crisis worker is there to support you and to explain everything to you whilst you are at the Emerald Centre. They will talk you through what to expect from the medical examination should you choose to have one. They will provide you with clean clothes & refreshments, and ensure you are fully in control of everything that happens to you there. We believe in giving you a choice.
A crisis worker is a highly trained, yet a compassionate and empathetic professional, who is skilled at supporting people at a time of trauma and personal crisis.
All of our crisis workers are female and have been selected on the basis of their integrity and openness. They know how important it is for your voice to be heard at this time – it is their job to make sure you have all the information you need to make informed decisions about your immediate options. They will carefully explain the options open to you, including the process of a forensic medical examination.
At times of stress and trauma, it is normal to feel shocked and numb. It can be difficult to take in and understand what is being said to you. It can be frightening when you feel that you are losing control of a situation. Your crisis worker is trained to make sure that they listen to the information being asked or given to you and to observe what is happening all around you. They represent you and your best interests and make sure that you have the time and space to reflect on what is being said so that you can make an informed decision regarding your choices.
Above all else, your crisis worker is there to make sure that you are treated with dignity and respect at all times
Initial Contact Officer (ICO)
If you wish to report a rape or serious sexual offence to the police an officer may also accompany you to the Emerald Centre. For additional information regarding the role of an Initial Contact Officer, please click here.
Forensic Medical Examiner (FME) / Sexual Offences Examiner (SOE)
If you choose to have a forensic medical examination, a specially trained nurse (Sexual Offences Examiner) or doctor (Forensic Medical Examiner) will come to the centre to see you. They are able to take samples for evidence and support you with any immediate health concerns. They will get consent from you, on every aspect of the examination which can be stopped at any time. They will also seek consent from you to share any information/ services that can help support you afterwards.
Specifically, the forensic medical exam includes:
• Information gathering from the victim for the forensic medical history;
• An examination/medical assessment;
• Coordination of treatment of injuries;
• Documentation of biological and physical findings;
• Collection of evidence from the victim’s body;
• Information, treatment and/or referrals for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and other non-acute medical concerns;
• Follow-up care as needed to facilitate additional healing, treatment or collection of evidence
A forensic medical examination is carried out by a qualified and experienced doctor or nurse. The purpose of the examination is to gather any forensic evidence that may be available following a rape or sexual assault. This may include making an accurate record of any injuries that you may have sustained and collecting any DNA evidence that may be present. The importance of the examination is that it could potentially provide important evidence should you decide to make a report to the Police which subsequently goes to court.
Following the forensic medical examination you will be able to have a shower in a private bathroom and you will be given your own personal toiletries kit. You will also be provided with a brand new set of clothes which will consist of underwear, t-shirt, fleece joggers and a fleece sweatshirt. The reason for this is that your own clothes may have been gathered and stored for forensic evidence. We have sizes to cater for everyone and we have female and male clothing and toiletries packs.
Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA)
ISVA stands for Independent Sexual Violence Advisor – ISVAs are staff members within the Emerald Centre who develop comprehensive support packages for clients after they have visited the Emerald Centre. They tend to work with those who have complex needs and require more intensive support, nevertheless everybody is offered support from the Emerald Centre staff team including the options and services available for aftercare.
Our Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) offer specialist ongoing practical and emotional support to individuals with complex needs, aged 13 and over who have been raped or sexually assaulted. They can help those affected come to terms with what has happened and explain the options available to them. If required they can make referrals into different agencies for example, counselling, sexual health, mental health, substance misuse and housing. They can also provide an advocacy role if necessary. They can support and advise on what to expect throughout the criminal justice system, from police interviews, throughout and beyond the court process.
If you wish they can also go with you to the following, although this list is not exhaustive:
Police, if you choose to report the assault
GUM (Genitor-Urinary Medicine) Clinic
Solicitors
Doctors
Housing
Court
Counselling
Drug & Alcohol Services
Your Independent Sexual Violence Advisor will only provide the support you choose.
An ISVA provides face to face, telephone, text and email support to young people and adults from the age of 13 and over. The service is mainly aimed at those referrals where a criminal investigation/prosecution is taking place, but we will see and assess others and signpost or refer them on to other agencies that can best meet their needs.
An ISVA supports the client through the criminal justice system, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within the system.
An ISVA can support the client in the witness statement and during the trial phase in conjunction with witness services.
An ISVA will liaise with the police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on behalf of the client and with the client’s consent; keep the victim informed about case progress on behalf of the police (Witness Care Unit) in line with the requirements of the Victims Code of Practice.
Participate in case conferences with the police, CPS and prosecuting barrister
Understand the need for some clients accessing special measures and advocate on their behalf where necessary in relation to their provision.
Explain and advise on criminal legal, and if relevant, civil remedies and housing options to clients.
Provide information and support in relation to Criminal Injuries Compensation.
Where relevant, keep other agencies informed about important changes in client’s situation.
To consider safeguarding issues (children and vulnerable adults) and liaise with the SARC manager in accordance with safeguarding policies.
To help the client develop their own support network and refer on to other agencies for long term support needs
The Emerald Centre can accept self referrals from the age of 13 years; under that age we will help the young person access the person or service that can help them. At all times we will consider safeguarding requirements and whether a disclosure is needed to protect that young person or other young or vulnerable people
