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.

The Truth Project

The Truth Project is part of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. Read more

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

Erika talks about her own experiences of healing and how these inspired her to support other survivors. Read more

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

Phillipene talks about her own experience of childhood sexual abuse and how taking risks gave her her life back. Read more

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

Ian tells his story of childhood sexual abuse and urges survivors to speak out and access support like he did. Read more

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. Read more

My Poem

Andreena wrote a poem about her experience of childhood sexual abuse from the age of 5. Read more

I am not ashamed, I am brave

Charlotte kept her abuse a secret for 11 years. Now she wants to tell other survivors that there is nothing to be ashamed of. Read more

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

Jane talks about her own experience of abuse and how it has affected her life. Read more

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

Jacqueline talks about her experience of childhood sexual abuse and shares a message of hope that people can heal, repair and live their best lives. Read more

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

Amber talks about her own experience of child sexual abuse and how counselling helped her to gain a new lease of life. Read more

We are healing. We are not alone

Dorothy writes on behalf of their system and how connections have helped them heal. Read more

'YOU' will not define me

Mark talks about his experience of childhood abuse, how it impacted his life and his journey to recovery Read more

Latest

Lancashire Victim Services ISVA

Area covered: Lancashire
A historic victory amongst disheartening stats

Yesterday was a big day for survivors and those that work with them. We saw the release of data showing that rape convictions are at a record low in England and Wales along with the Crown Prosecution Service’s (CPS) unveiling of a five-year blueprint to attempt to rectify this. On top of this, the End Violence Against Women (EVAW) Coalition and the Centre for Women’s Justice won a landmark case against the CPS, granting them the opportunity for a full judicial review.
Respond Birmingham

Survivors with learning disabilities. Area Covered: Midlands
One in Four (Kent Branch)

All survivors aged 4+. Area covered: Kent

Most read

Find Specialist Support in your Area

The Survivors Trust has 124 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.
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.
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.
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.
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'
National Helplines
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.
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.
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.

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