CENTRE FOR ACTION ON RAPE AND ABUSE

CARA was formerly Colchester Rape Crisis Line (CRCL) and continues the work that began when CRCL became a registered charity in 1989. As an organisational member of BACP we are bound by its Ethical Framework for Good Practice in Counselling and Psychotherapy and subject to the professional conduct procedure therein. CARA believes that sexual violence is completely unacceptable. We support those who have been affected and raise awareness in the wider community of the consequences of sexual abuse, assault and rape.

The organisation has always relied on its volunteers – for much of its early history there were no full-time paid staff. The first full-time member of staff was employed in January 2002. We have since been able to secure fixed term funding for two more paid positions, one part-time Child & Family Practitioner, and one full-time Young Person's Practitioner.

CARA currently consists of a team of dedicated counsellors and advocates, overseen by the Manager, Child & Family Practitioners, Women's Practitioner and Young Persons' Practitioner. We provide a service across mid and north Essex, using permanent outreach. As a registered charity and a charitable company limited by guarantee, CARA is overseen by a board of trustees (directors), responsible for overall management and governance.