Survivor stories

It is not uncommon for survivors to feel alone and isolated. For many, hearing and sharing stories can play a vital role in their recovery from trauma. All of these stories are written directly by survivors and therefore contain triggering material and the occasional swear word.

If you would like to share your story, please get in touch with us via [email protected].

If you are considering whether to waive your right to anonymity, take a look at the Independent Press Standards Organisation's useful guide for survivors of sexual offences considering talking to the media. The guide outlines your legal right to anonymity and what do to if you are unhappy about the media's coverage of your story.

Latest

PROSPER Study invitation

The PROSPER Study is looking for volunteers from specialist sexual violence services in England to explore providers’ views about funding and commissioning processes.
Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support

All survivors and young people. Area covered: Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset, Somerset, and South Gloucestershire
Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre

All survivors. Area covered: Coventry
Blogs for survivors

Find Specialist Support in your Area

The Survivors Trust has 120 member organisations based in the UK & Ireland which provide specialist support for women, men & children who have survived rape, sexual violence or childhood sexual abuse.
Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC)

SARCs (sexual assault referral centres) are specialist medical and forensic services for anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted. They are designed to be comfortable and multi-functional, providing private space for interviews and forensic examinations, and some may also offer sexual health and counselling services.
I didn't marry a monster

Marital ‘rape’ is a hidden recurring issue which people, mostly women, are reluctant to open up about. This video created by Ola and her partner Olu highlights the taboo issue and reminds those affected that help is available.
Taking care of yourself & I May Destroy You

It feels like everyone is talking about Michaela Coel’s newest creation I May Destroy You, a drama based on her experience of sexual assault. We want to offer up some tips for survivors thinking of watching the show as well as discuss some of the important topics covered in the series.
National Helplines
Who We Are

The Survivors Trust is the largest umbrella agency for specialist sexual violence support services in Europe. Our 124 agencies provide information, advice, support and therapy to over 80,000 individual survivors each year. Our services work with victims and survivors of all ages, male and female, of all forms of sexual violence, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation.
My Experience of EMDR & Treating Trauma

Steph talks about how Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy helped her to heal after her experience of rape.
I Am A Survivor

Calais talks about her experience, and shares the message 'if you are suffering you’re not alone and although it’s hard, you will get through this'
TST Supportline hours extended

Thanks to funding from the MoJ COVID-19 Response Fund our free national Supportline is now open 7 days a week. We're here to talk, to listen and to believe.
The Effects of Sexual Violence

The long-term effects of sexual violence (whether that is childhood sexual abuse, sexual harassment, rape etc.) can include many emotional, psychological and physical conditions. The experience of sexual assault or abuse at any age and whether male or female can have devastating effects on every aspect of a person’s being and life – on their mind, their body, their behaviour, thoughts and feelings.

Survivor stories

The Truth Project

We all have the power to make change no matter how powerless we sometimes feel

There is a lot of light at the end of the tunnel

A Plea from the Heart: Survivors Speak out and Seek Support

My Experience of EMDR & Treating Trauma

My Poem

I am not ashamed, I am brave

Raped, Victim, Feminist; labels I hate, boxes I tick

I don’t like to call myself a survivor. I have lived through childhood sexual abuse.

Things CAN change, You Are NOT anyone's Victim.

We are healing. We are not alone

'YOU' will not define me