Legal Aid
Please be aware that Safer Futures, First Light will only provide legal aid letters, if a client has engaged with the Service and is experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence. This enables the team to make an informed professional decision about the current situation. Legal aid can help meet the costs of legal advice, family […]
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Stalking
What is stalking? A pattern of fixated and obsessive behaviour which is repeated, persistent, intrusive and causes fear of violence or engenders alarm and distress in the victim. Stalking is one of the most frequently experienced forms of abuse. It is insidious and terrifying and can escalate to rape and murder. We need to treat […]
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Bibliotherapy (Self Help)
As part of the therapeutic support on offer, we can also provide self help resources for survivors of sexual violence and/or domestic abuse. The resources include some reading, exercises and homework to practice your learning throughout the week. Included are also some poems and quotations for you to read. The self help programme is designed […]
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Anxiety
Anxiety is the body’s natural response to external stimuli. Whenever a person is ‘triggered’ by events which have happened in the past, chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters send signals to different brain structures that influence processes in your body. One of the brain structures is called the amygdala and when this senses danger, the pre-frontal […]
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Specialist Domestic Violence Court
The Specialist Domestic Violence Court (SDVC) is for first appearances and sentencing of defendants who are charged with domestic abuse. Victims of these crimes do not need to attend court. However, if they choose to attend, they will be supported by the court Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) at court. Their safety will be a […]
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Risk assessment
When someone is experiencing domestic abuse, it’s vital to make an accurate and fast assessment of the danger they’re in, so they can get the right help as quickly as possible. Our DASH risk assessment is a tried and tested way to understand a persons risk. DASH stands for domestic abuse, stalking and ‘honour’-based violence. The […]
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Sexual assault help & advice
If you’ve been sexually assaulted, you can get help. You can report the assault to police by calling 999 or 101 or you can contact the Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) on 0300 3034626, or by submitting an online referral form and they will call you back at a time you specify. You may […]
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What is Sexual Violence?
A sexual assault is any sexual act that a person did not consent to, or is forced into against their will. It is a form of sexual violence and includes rape (an assault involving penetration of the vagina, anus or mouth with a penis), or other sexual offences, such as groping, forced kissing or child […]
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Digital abuse & stalking
Technology is a wonderful tool for finding out information, advice and building social networks. However, it can also be used to abuse. Digital abuse can include: Monitoring your social media or emails, Sending abusive or threatening messages Using GPS locators or spyware Intimate image abuse There are a number of steps you can take to […]
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Occupation order
You can apply for an occupation order if you’re a victim of domestic violence and meet the requirements. The order will say who can live in the family home or enter the surrounding area. You can apply if: you own or rent the home and it is, was, or was intended to be shared with […]
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