History
Juniper Lodge opened in May 1999 to provide multi-agency support to survivors of rape and sexual assault in Leicestershire and Rutland. In October of the same year, we extended the service to women and men over 16 years old who do not want police involvement.
What we offer
The service offers an appropriate environment for examination for forensic evidence, statement taking and support work. Police now bring all cases of rape and sexual assault to Juniper Lodge. They are offered a Support Worker, a trained volunteer, who can support the person very soon after the report to look at emotional needs.
- Survivors can also access the service via the helpline
- Support Workers access the answering machine messages regularly
- Telephone support, or up to 8 sessions of face-to-face support is available for all clients
- Information from specially trained police officers and/or a medical examination is all offered to the caller
A medical examination can take place up to 7 days after the attack. This enables the person to talk about their available choices without the fear of losing forensic evidence.
About the Lodge
The Lodge is a dedicated centre that is fully furnished and decorated in a comfortable and non-threatening manner. It is located within the Leicester General Hospital grounds in a convenient but discreet location. The Lodge is easily accessible by public transport and by car from all areas of the county.
Our commitment
Juniper Lodge strives to make the project available to as many people as possible so we have full disabled access and provide literature in different languages and large print. We have access to an interpreting service but are hoping to work more closely with support workers who have language skills.
It is well documented that few survivors of rape and sexual assault report the attack to the police. Juniper Lodge keeps a database of anonymous information to gather a clearer picture of this violent crime. This will inform future campaigns and police investigations.
Education and personal safety courses in schools and youth groups are planned throughout school term time. This will encourage more effective strategies to access support and deal with issues around sexual relationships and negotiation. This will be accompanied by wide spread media campaigns to encourage more victims to come forward.
Continual review and assessment of the service is undertaken at Juniper Lodge to enable us to be the most appropriate multi-agency service for victims of rape and sexual assault. Visits to the Lodge are welcomed, as are talks to other agencies and staff teams about the work at Juniper Lodge.
Get in touch
Juniper Lodge can be contacted on:
Business line - 0116 273 5461
Helpline - 0116 273 3330
Alternatively, you can e-mail us using the contact form.
