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.

Next Steps for Special Measures - A review of the provision of special measures to vulnerable and intimidated witnesses

Special measures are intended to help vulnerable and intimidated witnesses give their best evidence to the court. This review explores the current provision of special measures, from the initial assessment of a witness’s need to trial. Read more

Survivors' Journeys - Survivors' Voices: Including the voice of survivors in commissioning support services

Survivors' Journeys - Survivors' Voices conference, held in October 2014, sought to redress the lack of survivors' voices and views on service development and commissioning processes. This report highlights the findings from the event. Read more

Victims' Code of Practice

The Ministry of Justice have published a simplified and updated Victims’ Code alongside the government response to its consultation: ‘Improving the Victims’ Code’. Read more

Disclosure of non-recent (historic) childhood sexual abuse: What should researchers do?

This paper highlights important considerations for Research Ethics Committees on the importance of preserving confidentiality of disclosures by adults of non-recent abuse. Read more

Sexual violence and COVID-19: all silent on the home front

In this article, Clare Gunby et al reflect on the framing of violence against women in mainstream media in the UK, and some policy documents and guidance, in the first four weeks of the COVID-19 induced lockdown. Read more

Mesarch - Join a thousand voices for change!

This research is inviting over 1000 individuals who have attended a Sexual Assault Referral Centre in England to take part, to ‘join a thousand voices for change’. 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

'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

The injustice of justice: female sexual violence victims and the fear of coming forward by Imogen Cheatham

A dissertation submitted to the University of Sheffield for the partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of BA in International Relations and Politics. Read more

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

Videos

Pregnancy, Birth and Parenthood after Childhood Sexual Abuse

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

Latest

Trauma-Informed Educator (TIE) Quality Mark

A Trauma-Informed Educator (TIE) quality mark from The Survivors Trust shows that your university, college or school understands the impact of trauma and supports those who disclose harassment, abuse or bullying.
Trauma in the Workplace & Education

In workplace and educational settings, trauma from experiences of bullying, sexual abuse, harassment and assault impact an individual's mental health, social relationships, work or studies, and even their physical health.
#CheckWithMeFirst Service User Survey

If you are a survivor living in London, we want to hear about your experiences of NHS healthcare services so that we can help to make these services more accessible to survivors of rape, sexual assault and sexual abuse.
Jessica's story

Jessica shares her story of sexual assault and rape and how she started her journey of healing.

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.
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.
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.
"It'll only take ten minutes"

"For him it was just ten minutes of his life and meant nothing. For me, it has affected the rest of mine ever since." Josephine shares her story in the hopes to inspire other survivors to not be ashamed to share their story.
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.
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.
Our Helpline

Our free, national helpline provides information, advice and emotional support to all survivors of rape, sexual abuse and violence, and childhood sexual abuse. No matter when the abuse took place, we're here to support you.
Jessica's story

Jessica shares her story of sexual assault and rape and how she started her journey of healing.
Independent Sexual Violence Adviser Practitioner Diploma Programme

Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) provide emotional support and guidance for anyone that has experienced sexual violence at any point in their lives. Our accredited training focuses on a survivor focused ethos, meaning that we train our ISVAs to have their clients needs at the centre of all of their work.