we can support you if you've been subjected to any form of sexual violence, abuse, assault, harassment, exploitation, harm or violation.
this includes rape, child sexual abuse, the sharing of sexual images, unwanted touching/groping, forced sexual acts, experiences involving alcohol or drugs, stealthing, revenge porn, FGM, forced marriage, grooming, trafficking, online abuse, up-skirting, spikings, etc.
if something didn't feel right, even if you don't have the language to describe it or you're not sure how to, we're here to support you.
we support women aged 18 & over in the UK who have been subjected to any form of sexual violence & abuse.
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our support
1
no waiting times
there are no waiting times for our counselling.
you can access support whenever you need it, with no minimum or maximum number of sessions & no restrictions surrounding frequency of counselling.
2
a flexible approach
online & telephone counselling from the comfort of your home or in-person counselling in Birmingham.
our counselling support is offered within a diverse range of availability, so you can pick a day/time that works best for you.
3
specialist counsellors/support
all GINA counsellors are qualified, receive regular supervision & training, are members of recognised governing bodies such as BACP & are specialists in the field of sexual violence & abuse. our support is strictly confidential, unless we are legally compelled to disclose information, or there is a genuine risk to you or other individuals.
4
accessible counselling
we endeavour to make counselling as flexible as possible & break down barriers (financial, lack of time, anxieties, feelings of shame & blame) – we do everything we can to ensure our support is convenient, comfortable & affordable.
5
inclusive support
different voices, perspectives & experiences of both our team & women we support underpin our support. our team is committed to maintaining a friendly, relaxed & welcoming environment. we know how difficult it can be to reach out, so every interaction with our team endeavours to make you feel safe, believed, heard & understood.
"{a GINA counsellor] is the best counsellor I've ever had in my ten years of being engaged with mental health services. she is compassionate, kind & patient when you find yourself unable to talk about things. she never victim-blamed. i am leaving our sessions more positive & relaxed than I have ever been."
"I would like to take this opportunity to tell you how privileged & honoured it is to be able to access the counselling services offered by GINA."
"I have an immense desire to "fix me" & improve my mental wellbeing, whilst working through & understanding how the trauma of sexual abuse has affected me. The way in which the GINA team facilitates this is commendable in so many ways."
"Your organisation has given me my sanity & life back. I cannot thank you enough for the help you provide."
"I wanted to say a huge thank you for everything you have done to help me since the beginning of this year. I didn't think I'd ever get back to feeling like myself again & you helped me get here so I can't thank you enough. Your work is amazing."
"The conversation with my counsellor, was really enjoyable. Her gentle tone created a natural & peaceful atmosphere, making it easier for me to navigate through my difficult memories. Sharing the painful experiences that have haunted me was a challenge, but [my counsellor] never rushed or pressured me. Instead, she empowered me to realize my own sense of safety. She helped me recognize that the harassment I endured wasn't my fault, despite my tendency to blame myself. Also, the setting of our conversation made me feel secure & comforted as if the place itself exuded warmth & safety. I consider myself fortunate to have accepted GINA's assistance. If any of my friends find themselves in a similar situation, I won't hesitate to recommend her."
As featured in the BBC 2 Documentary
Emily Atack: Asking For It?
In this deeply personal documentary, actress & comedian Emily Atack attempts to understand why she - & so many others - are subjected to daily online sexual harassment & what can be done to stop this.
One of our fabulous GINA counsellors, Theresa, works with Emily as she delves deep into her own story, reflects on her experiences & explores what she has been subjected to.
Aired: 31st January 2023 | BBC 2