Research

BREAKING THE CYCLE OF ABUSE

The results of outcome research carried out on survivors of childhood sexual abuse and rape of all ages receiving counselling from specialist charity Family Matters

2004 to 2006

Family Matters is a Gravesend based charity offering counselling and a helpline to survivors of childhood sexual abuse and rape of any age. 

The service is available in SE London (Bexley, Bromley & Greenwich boroughs) and all of Kent down as far as Ashford (Medway, Dartford, Gravesham, Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Malling, Swale, Maidstone and Ashford.). 

The charity's work is almost solely maintained by charitable grants with only a small proportion of its income coming from statutory sources (Bexley, Greenwich & Medway).

Last year (06/08)we saw 479 clients and took some 3000 calls on our helpline.  Demand for our services continues to be high with a current waiting list of 40 clients and a waiting time of 12 -16 weeks.

The counselling is time limited to 12 weeks initially, with extensions when a clinical need is identified.  The client is put in the driving seat of their therapy and asked from the beginning to set personal goals and self assess their progress.  The approach is integrative, using the core condition of empathy, congruence, unconditional positive regard & warmth.  Given the time limits, the therapy has to be focussed.

Family Matters has a around 35-40 volunteer and sessionally paid counsellors who travel to by-the-hour rented, High Street locations, a deliberate policy to increase accessibility and make the setting non medical. 

The whole operation is overseen by Clinical Manager through a team of 6 specialist supervisors and an on-going self assessment system which is completed by the client.  The entire operation is covered by an extensive Policies and Procedures document and underpinned by the BACP Ethical Framework.   All counsellors with Family Matters receive in-house training in sexual abuse awareness and are tutored throughout their time with us by their supervisors.

In an effort to satisfy its funders in 2004 Family Matters began asking its clients to complete questionnaires towards the end of their counselling contracts with us.  This usually takes place at the 10 week stage of our time limited 12 week counselling contracts.

The following report is a graphical breakdown of the results of those questionnaires.

10 week assessment results and FM breakdown for 2006/7

Malcolm Gilbert

General Manager, Family Matters.

A VIEW FROM INSIDE THE BOX: EXPLORING SERVICE PROVISION FOR SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE/VIOLENCE IN THE BRADFORD AREA

A recent research project has explored service user and service provider views on service provision for (adult) survivors of sexual abuse/violence in the Bradford area of West Yorkshire. The research was commissioned by Survivors West Yorkshire, funded by the Communities of Interest Working Group and undertaken by Claire Fraser, Freelance Research Consultant.

"A View From Inside The Box" research by Claire Fraser - Project created and led by Bob Balfour on behalf of Survivor West Yorkshire


"A View Summary" by Clare Fraser


"A View From Inside The Box II - Survivor Matrix" research by James Smith - Project created and led by Bob Balfour on behalf of Survivors West Yorkshire


"Matrix Summary" by James Smith

Not Seen and Not Heard - Emilie Goodall & Tris Lumley

You may remember reading about the horrific abuse of Victoria Climbié in 2000. But you probably never read about Joseph Scholes. Following a childhood of sexual abuse, he hanged himself in a young offenders’ institute. There are thousands of invisible victims who, like Joseph, do not make the news. They include runaways, children caught up in domestic violence, and adult survivors of childhood abuse.

Not seen and not heard, New Philanthropy Capital’s latest report, highlights a number of charities working to help those affected by child abuse, including charities that are:

Teaching children how to identify abuse. Eg, Eighteen & Under works with children, from pre-school age to teenagers, to help them understand what abuse is and how to protect themselves.
Treating abusers to help them stop abusing. Eg, The Lucy Faithfull Foundation runs a helpline for people worried about their own thoughts or those of someone they know.
Protecting vulnerable teenagers. Eg, Barnardo’s helps children who are being sexually exploited or are at risk of exploitation.
There is no single cause of abuse. Neither is there a single answer. But by supporting charities like these, donors can be part of the solution. Take a look at NPC’s associated charity recommendations or contact NPC for more information.