Frequently asked questions

Who is The Bridge for?

Anyone in Avon and Somerset who has been raped or sexually assaulted can come to The Bridge - women, men and children can all attend.

Do I have to be referred?

You don't have to be referred. It's up to you if you want to see us. All you need to do is call or email The Bridge for an appointment before visiting. You don't need to report the assault to the police or see your GP first. You can call us to book an appointment 24 hours a day.

Do I have to talk to the police?

No, you don't have to talk to police. There are no police officers on site. However, Avon and Somerset Constabulary has worked with local health authorities to set up The Bridge, so if you decide at any time to talk to police, you can ask one of our crisis workers to help you. You may choose to have an informal chat with a police officer. If you choose this, the officer you speak with will be a specially trained and experienced officer who will act as a single point of contact between you and the police.

How do I arrange a visit to The Bridge?

The Bridge is open 24 hours every day - you can visit us by arrangement - it is easier for us to help if you telephone first. If you are still not sure what The Bridge can offer you, or there are other questions you would like to ask, please call us.

What will happen during my appointment?

What happens during your appointment is totally up to you and we will talk you through your options when you arrive.

You can see one of our specially trained crisis workers who can carry out a forensic medical examination. Most often this crisis worker will be a woman but we will do our best to locate a man for you, if you would prefer.

The crisis worker can also talk to you about any other concerns you might have, for example, about sexually transmitted infections or emergency contraception. If you come to The Bridge without having contacted the police first, the crisis worker who sees you will take forensic samples, but only with your permission. If you agree, we can give these samples to the police for forensic analysis without disclosing your identity.

They will then store the samples until you have decided whether or not you want to talk to them. If the forensic analysis identifies evidence that is of particular interest to the police, we will let you know and give you details that might help you make your decision.

We offer first aid, refreshments, showers, toiletries and new clothes if yours are required to be taken away for evidence (with your permission).

Will I get counselling?

When you first attend The Bridge, you can ask to speak to a crisis worker who will talk to you about your options and help if you need advice about whether to report what has happened to the police. If you decide not to talk to the police, we can still offer you support and discuss the issue of counselling further with you. Our counsellors have been trained to help those who have been assaulted, either recently or in the past, and support them through the immediate trauma and the difficult times that can follow.

The Bridge offers an integral and proactive follow-up service after the first visit to provide counselling, sexual health advice and support through the criminal justice system if the decision to prosecute an offender is made.

What about medical care for children?

All our examiners are trained to give medical help to anyone who has been sexually assaulted. But, if they think any young girl or boy might need special attention, they will get help from a paediatrician or a doctor who specialises in looking after children. We will also be able to refer young people for appropriate follow-up care.

Will I be safe at The Bridge?

Your safety is very important to us and The Bridge is a secure centre; no-one is allowed in without us knowing who they are. We can give further advice if you have safety concerns following a sexual assault. If you are concerned for your safety at any time, please contact police. In an emergency dial 999.