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’ll create a flexible support plan that fits your needs, preferences, and pace. We’re here to help you feel safe, manage difficult emotions, and reconnect with the things that matter to you.

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

Sexual violence can affect anyone. We support people aged 13+ of all genders, backgrounds, and abilities across Shetland.

We recognise that sexual violence is rooted in power and often shaped by inequality—such as gender, race, class, disability, or immigration status. These factors can make it harder to access support. We’re committed to making our services inclusive, safe, and responsive to individual needs.

As an intersectional feminist and trans-inclusive organisation, we understand sexual violence as a form of gender-based violence. It disproportionately affects women and girls, and we work to challenge the norms that allow this harm to continue.

We offer women-only appointments and always ask about your access needs to help you feel safe and supported. Our staff and leadership team are all women, as required by the Equality Act 2010.

If you’d prefer to be supported by someone who isn’t a woman, or if anything makes it hard to access our service—such as privacy concerns or accessibility needs—we’ll work with you to find the right support, here or elsewhere.

You don’t need to share our beliefs to get help. We’re here to listen without judgement, support your choices, and help you move forward on your own terms.

You are not alone