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 works with adults, young people and children of all genders.
If you are a victim or survivor 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.
01206 769795
We try to answer calls within office hours, whenever we can. Out of office hours, or if we are unable to answer the phone, please leave a message on our answerphone.
Or you can e-mail us on
Contacting our Essex-wide team of
FIRST CONTACT NAVIGATORS
03000 037 777
or finding out more about Essex-wide services through
PROFESSIONALS
Can refer clients to CARA through our
ONLINE REFERRAL FORM FOR AGENCIES
CARA is a registered charity. We work from our Head Office in Colchester and from outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Colchester, 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. Most of our team are women, but support from a male counsellor can be provided on request.
CARA is a support service for victims and survivors. For enquiries about training, consultancy or evaluation and research services, we direct you to our partner, ICENA. ICENA delivers education and consultancy to businesses, organisations and schools to promote gender equality and prevent gender based violence. To find out more, visit ICENA’ s website.