Resources & Research

This page includes research and resources that we have both created and compiled from our member agencies and other organisations working to support survivors of sexual violence. These will be handy for understanding what happened, how you feel or for what to do next. These guides are also very useful for professionals and students looking to expand their knowledge.

Pregnancy, Birth and Parenthood after Childhood Sexual Abuse

This resource will help women who have experienced childhood sexual abuse (CSA) to prepare for pregnancy, birth and parenthood. Read more

Videos

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse

Guides for LGBT+ Survivors

Guides for and about Children & Young People

Guides to Understanding & Healing

Guides for Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Guides to Reporting and the Law

'What Works; patient and stakeholder engagement for Sexual Assault Referral Centres’

NHS England worked with service users and key partners to develop the ‘What Works; patient and stakeholder engagement for Sexual Assault Referral Centres’ report. Read more

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. Read more

Latest

New measures to support vulnerable people ahead of Hidden Harms Summit

The virtual summit, hosted by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, is in response to the unique challenges victims have faced during the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure they continue to get support. Our CEO, Fay Maxted OBE, will be attending the Hidden Harms Summit with colleagues from Rape Crisis England and Wales, Male Survivors Partnership and NAPAC

Messages from frontline support services - We are still here

If you’ve experienced sexual violence or abuse, no matter when it happened, #YouAreNotAlone. Support services across England and Wales are available to you. They’re free, confidential and independent.

TST update on Covid-19 and tips to get through

Due to Covid-19 many of our members and other support services are closing their face to face services and operating differently in accordance with advice from the UK Government.

Consultation on Improving the Victims’ Code

The Government now want to hear what you have to say about their proposed changes. This consultation is the next step in improving the experience of victims within the justice system and will pave the way for a Victims’ Law that will guarantee victims their rights.

Find Specialist Support in your Area

The Survivors Trust has 129 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.

National Helplines

I didn't marry a monster

About Sexual Violence & Abuse

Sexual violence and abuse is any behaviour of a sexual nature which is unwanted and takes place without consent or understanding. This includes rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, childhood sexual abuse, female genital mutilation and more.

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.

Petition: Make all sexual abuse offences exceptions under the double jeopardy rules

"Many victims will never be able to obtain justice or closure from the criminal courts as the law currently stands as their charges are not deemed "serious" or "severe" enough to be an exception to the double jeopardy rules."

Who We Are

The Survivors Trust is the largest umbrella agency for specialist sexual violence support services in Europe. Our 129 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.

Our Work

Over the last ten years we have set up five new rape support centres, successfully lobbied for a three-year support fund for member organisations and established the all-party parliamentary group for adult survivors of sexual abuse. Find out more about our work