The Compass Centre is a safe, comfortable space where you can be you. We provide free & confidential help to non-abusive people of all genders (age 13+) in Shetland who have been affected by sexual violence (that is: unwanted sexual behaviour), no matter what happened or when. This includes specialist information, resources, emotional and practical support, counselling, and advocacy. 

Please note: we cannot accept referrals from people who have perpetrated sexual violence, domestic abuse, or any other form of gender-based violence. We also can’t accept referrals from people not from or living in Shetland, or those under the age of 13. If this is you, help is available. Let us know and we will do our best to help you find support elsewhere.

How we can help

When you come to us for help, we give you the time and space to tell us what is important to you. You don’t have to talk about about what happened or tell us anything that you don’t want to, but if you do, we are here to listen. 

Together we build a support agreement that respects your individual situation, gives you choices around when, with whom, and how you receive support, and is flexible to change where you need it. We believe you and work with you to establish safety and manage the complex emotions that can arise from experiencing sexual violence.

We know that the trauma of sexual violence can touch on every aspect of your life. We can support you to navigate the areas of life that have been affected, help you to re-engage with things that bring you joy, and to discover new things that help you to feel safe and well. 

If you are thinking about reporting or are already in the process, we can help. There is no pressure to report but we can provide information and support, such as accompanying you at a police statement or at court. We can also support you if you are reporting or considering reporting in another setting such as workplace sexual harassment or in higher education. 

What to expect

We understand that in Shetland it can feel especially difficult to access help while maintaining your safety and privacy. 

We are an appointments-based service and we can meet with you for face-to-face appointments at The Compass Centre in Lerwick, or at another agreed place such as a health centre or care home.

We are a small centre with just two onsite appointment spaces, so we take care to manage bookings in a way that is designed to minimise the chance of you ever crossing paths with another service-user, and we offer the choice of two discreet entrances to our property.

For women and girls, we offer the choice of women-only appointment times. Where you’re dealing with additional safety or confidentiality concerns affecting your ability to access the help you need, we are here to listen and find a way forward that works for you.

If you would prefer an offsite appointment, we plan this carefully with you so that your safety and privacy are as protected as possible, and we take this same approach if you would like us to accompany you for criminal justice proceedings, such as attending court.

If you would prefer not to meet face-to-face, we can also provide support over the phone, by video-call, by text, by email, and through secure messaging services. Most people who access our services prefer a mix of these approaches. 

Putting the power back in your hands

Anyone can be affected by sexual violence, at any time in their life, and need support. We are proud to provide help to people of all genders, abilities, backgrounds, ages (13+), and walks of life, from across the length and breadth of Shetland.

The cause and consequence of sexual violence is an imbalance of power, and many survivors experience further harm and disempowerment related to existing societal attitudes towards gender, class, background, race, ethnicity, ability, neurology, age, sexual orientation, and/or immigration status. We aim to wield our power responsibly and take an active approach to making our services more accessible and inclusive to those who need them.

We are an intersectional feminist organisation and recognise that sexual violence is a form of gender-based violence (GBV) that is is disproportionately perpetrated by men and disproportionately impacts women and girls; creating additional barriers to safety, support, and healing; and limiting access to power, choice, rights, and representation.

We believe that by celebrating diverse experiences of womanhood and challenging patriarchal norms and the broader cultural attitudes that normalise and excuse sexual and gender-based violence, we raise women up; promote equity and justice; and seek to make our world a better and more equally safe place for all.

We offer the choice of women-only appointment times at the centre, and we will ask you about your preferences and access needs at referral so that we can agree a support plan together that enables you to feel safe and comfortable here.

We are an all-women staff and leadership team, meaning that our posts are reserved for those who meet the legal definition of women under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010. We are also a trans inclusive organisation, meaning that when we talk about women and girls, we include trans women and women who also identify as non binary.

If you have any concerns relating to this, we are here to listen and find a way forward that recognises your individual needs and helps you to feel safe, secure, and supported. If you would prefer to be supported by someone who is not a woman, you can let us know and we will do our best to help you find support elsewhere. 

If you feel excluded from our services due to any accessibility, inclusion, safety and/or privacy concerns such as communication divides, mobility challenges, unusual working patterns, caring responsibilities, pre-existing relationships and connections with someone in our team, or anything else, let us know and we will work with you to find a way forward that is flexible to your situation and enables you to get the help you need. We are always open to learning and changing how we work so that our services are more accessible in future.

We recognise that sometimes survivors may prefer to work with a different service that better meets their specific needs or experiences such as ‘by and for’ specialist services, and we are happy to help you to find the support that is right for you, wherever that may be.

You do not have to share our beliefs to access help here, and we take a non-judgemental approach that focuses on your needs and what you want to achieve during your time in service. We believe that you are the expert in your own life, and our job is to empower you with the information, resources, support, and access to opportunities that you tell us you need to be able to build your own personal compass and find your way forward.

You are not alone