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Plymouth Sexual Violence Therapy Service

We provide specialist support for anyone impacted by sexual violence or sexual abuse.

We will listen. We will believe you. And we will support you in a way that feels right for you.

We’re here to listen. We’re here to believe you.
We’re here to support you in creating a future free from abuse and fear.

Use our Navigator to
find what you need.

If you’ve experienced sexual violence, you’re not alone. At First Light, we offer free, specialist sexual violence therapy in Plymouth to help you begin your healing journey in a safe, supportive environment.

We offer a confidential, personal, and compassionate space where survivors are heard, believed, and supported. Whether the abuse happened recently or many years ago support is available.

We understand that taking the first step can be difficult. Whether you’ve already reported the incident to the police, are thinking about it, or don’t want to involve them at all – we are here for you.

You can access the Plymouth Sexual Violence Counselling Service by completing our referral form using the buttons below.

Once submitted, a member of our team will contact you.
Alternatively, you can call us directly on

03458 12 12 12

Make a Referral For Myself
Make a Referral For Someone Else
Make a Referral For a Child/Young Person
Make a Professional Referral

How we
can help

Our service provides short-term therapy and counselling for adults and young people affected by sexual abuse or trauma. Whether the experience happened recently or in childhood, our trained counsellors are here to support you to process what you’ve been through and move forward at your own pace.

The Plymouth Sexual Violence Therapy Service works with specialised organisations across the city to offer a coordinated range of support, helping you feel safe, heard, and supported. The service brings together Young Devon, Victim Support and Operation Emotion, and is led by First Light.

What the service offers

  • Counselling sessions with qualified professionals
  • Support for adults (18+) 
  • Support for children and young people aged 0–18
  • Gentle, trauma‑informed therapy tailored to individual needs
  • Inclusive care for all genders, sexualities and abilities
  • Access to a Trauma Stabilisation Programme

Learn More About

What our team will do

Our dedicated team of counsellors and support staff are here to guide you through every step of your healing journey. We understand the courage it takes to seek help after experiencing sexual violence, and we’re committed to providing a safe, respectful, and empowering environment.

You can expect us to:

  • Create a confidential, non-judgmental space for you to talk
  • Listen with empathy and respect
  • Tailor therapy to your personal needs and pace
  • Help you build coping strategies and emotional resilience

All our counsellors are professionally trained and registered with either the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) or the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), ensuring high standards of care and ethical practice.

What to expect from the Plymouth Sexual Violence Therapy Service

When you reach out to our Plymouth Sexual Violence Therapy Service, we understand that taking the first step can feel overwhelming. Our team is here to make the process as smooth and supportive as possible.

Step-by-Step Support

  • Referral & Initial Contact
    Once we receive your referral, you’ll be contacted by a member of our team to arrange an initial assessment. This is a confidential conversation where we learn more about your needs and determine how best we can support you.

 

  • Assessment Session
    During the assessment, we’ll talk about you, your current challenges, and what you hope to gain from therapy. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and learn more about how our service works. You may also be able to access our Trauma Stabilisation Programme.
  • Beginning Counselling
    Our counsellors provide a warm, non-judgmental space where you can talk freely. You’re in control of what you share, and we’ll work at a pace that feels right for you.

 

  • End of Therapy & Next Steps
    Your counsellor will help you reflect on your progress and explore any ongoing support options. We’ll ensure you leave the service feeling empowered and informed.

“To all the staff, thank you.”

– Survivor

What does Sexual Violence Therapy cover

Therapy offers a safe and confidential space to begin healing from the impact of sexual violence. Whether the trauma is recent or historic, our therapy sessions are designed to support your emotional wellbeing and help you regain a sense of control.

Here’s what therapy can help you with:

  • Understanding and processing trauma
    Explore your experiences in a safe environment, helping you make sense of what happened and how it has affected you.

 

  • Managing emotional responses
    Learn strategies to cope with anxiety, depression, flashbacks, guilt, shame, and other common reactions to trauma.

 

  • Rebuilding self-esteem and confidence
    Work on restoring your sense of identity, self-worth, and personal boundaries.
  • Developing healthy coping mechanisms
    Discover tools and techniques to manage stress, regulate emotions, and improve day-to-day wellbeing.

 

  • Improving communication and relationships
    Address the impact of trauma on trust, intimacy, and connection with others.

 

  • Setting personal goals for recovery
    Identify what healing looks like for you and work towards achievable, meaningful outcomes.

For children and young people, therapy may also include play-based therapy or creative approaches to help them express emotions and feel safe.

If you’re not sure whether what happened to you is abuse – that’s okay.

You can still contact us. We’ll listen and help you make sense of it.

You do not have to go through this alone.

We’re here for you – whenever you’re ready.

Learn more about our Therapy Service

Counsellors

Therapeutic support for adults and children affected by sexual violence and domestic abuse First Light’s Counselling Service offers trauma-informed therapy

Learn more »

Online Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Plymouth Sexual Violence Therapy Service FAQ

  • What is the Trauma Stabilisation Programme?

    Trauma stabilisation provides practical strategies to help manage the lasting effects of past or present trauma. 

    It supports you to understand how trauma affects you and explores ways to help you feel safer and more in control. It can also prepare
    you for more in-depth trauma-processing therapy. 

    You will be offered four weekly sessions at a time that works for you while you are waiting for ongoing therapy.  

  • Who are the counsellors?

    All our counsellors are professionally trained and registered with either the NCPS or BACP, ensuring high standards of care.

  • What happens after I’m referred?

    You’ll be invited to an initial assessment to discuss your needs. If suitable, you’ll be placed on a waiting list and contacted when a counsellor becomes available. You may also be able to access our Trauma Stabilisation Programme.  

  • What kind of therapy is provided?

    We offer trauma-informed, integrative counselling, tailored to your individual needs. For children, we provide play-based therapy, and for young people, talking therapy.

  • Is the therapy service free?

    Yes, we offer up to nine free counselling sessions to eligible individuals.

  • Who can access the Plymouth Sexual Violence Therapy Service?

    Our service is available to adults (18+) and young people (0–18) living in Plymouth who have experienced sexual violence, abuse, or trauma—whether recent or historic.

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