CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs.

CARA is a registered charity working with adults of all genders, young people (aged 13-19) and children aged 12 and under from across mid and north Essex. We provide our services from our head office in Colchester and from outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich.

CARA recognises that women who have experienced sexual violence may need safe, women-only spaces. One floor of our Colchester premises is designated as a women-only safe space. Other rooms we use are located in shared buildings, but the CARA office will always be a women-only space.

We provide women-only referral pathways; meaning when you initially contact CARA you will only ever talk with, or meet women workers.

Specialist support services for men and boys is provided at set times in set locations. Support from a male counsellor can be provided upon request from an outreach location.

At present, we are only able to deliver our play therapy services for children aged 12 and under from our Colchester premises.

If you are a victim of any type of sexual violence you can access our services by:

Filling in our

ONLINE SELF-REFERRAL FORM

We try to contact all new referrals within 2 working days.

Telephoning us on

01206 769795

We try to answer calls within office hours. Out of office hours, or if we are unable to answer the phone, calls will go to answerphone.

Contacting our Essex-wide team of

FIRST CONTACT NAVIGATORS

03000 037 777

or finding out more about Essex-wide services through