Abuse survivors clinic (ASC)

What is the ASC?

If you’ve experienced sexual violence or sexual abuse at any time, you can attend the ASC for confidential help and support.

The clinic is provided by our own Umbrella staff and our partner organisation, the Rape and Sexual Violence Project (RSVP).

If you’ve experienced domestic abuse, specialist support is also available from Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid.

Other clinics

If you’ve experienced sexual violence or abuse at any time, you can call 0121 237 5700, or attend any Umbrella clinic without an appointment, and we will see you urgently.

Where and when

The ASC runs at Whittall Street Clinic on the fourth Thursday of each month.

You can also arrange to see an independent sexual violence advocate (ISVA) from the Rape and Sexual Violence Project (RSVP) at our Solihull or Chelmsley Wood clinics.

ISVAs can provide advice and support with reporting to the police (only if you want to do this), accessing health services, crisis support and more.

Our services

The ASC offers the following services:

• A sexual health check-up
• Contraception
• Hepatitis B vaccination
• Links to specialist young people’s services
• Advocacy* for adults, children and young people who have been abused at any time in their lives
• Emotional and practical support through the police and court processes if survivors choose to report the abuse
• Information and support for survivors who want to explore what will happen if they do report the abuse
• Emotional and practical support for survivors who choose not to report the abuse
• Support in reporting to the police anonymously or with self-referral to the sexual assault referral centre (SARC)
• Links to specialist lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) services, including advocacy*
• Safeguarding assessment and referrals for young people when needed
• Cervical smears (only if you are due or overdue one). (We are aware some women find smears difficult after sexual violence or abuse. Smears typically involve two visits to the ASC.)

* Advocacy means practical and emotional support, making sure that your views, opinions, wishes and feelings are respected and listened to.

Related services

There are some types of medical care which may help you immediately after sexual violence or abuse, including:

• post-exposure prophylaxis after sexual exposure to HIV (PEPSE), which can stop you catching HIV
• emergency contraception, to stop you becoming pregnant
• hepatitis B vaccination

These can be provided at the ASC if you attend the clinic straight away.

Even if you don’t attend the abuse survivors clinic, it’s important to know where you can get these services.

PEPSE

PEPSE is available from Whittall Street Clinic during opening times, or from your nearest A&E department outside these times.

Emergency contraception

​Emergency contraception is available for free from Umbrella clinics and pharmacies, and can be prescribed by some GPs.

Hepatitis B vaccination

Emergency vaccination for hepatitis B is also available from your GP, nearest A&E or via the Horizon sexual assault referral centre (SARC).

How to get seen

Anyone can book an appointment at the abuse survivors clinic through reception staff in any Umbrella clinic, or by calling 0121 237 5737 or 0121 237 5700. You do not have to be referred or have seen anyone before attending.

You can also book an appointment at the ASC via our online booking site.

Other clinics

If you’ve experienced sexual violence or abuse at any time, you can call 0121 237 5700 or attend any Umbrella clinic without an appointment, and we will see you urgently. Our staff will help you to find the help and support you need.