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

Latest

If You Need Help Now

Rape and sexual violence are horrific and traumatic crimes. Many victims and survivors experience a wide range of emotions after rape or sexual assault and are often too shocked to act in the immediate moments. There is no right or wrong way to react or feel.
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."
Definitions of Sexual Violence

It can be hard to come to terms with what happened and even harder to understand how it is defined in the law. Here are the most current definitions of sexual violence in the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
Victim Support NI Foyle

Area covered: Antrim & Newtownabbey, Causeway Coast & Glens, Derry City & Strabane, Fermanagh & Omagh, Mid & East Antrim and Mid-Ulster

Most read

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."
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.
Right to Review – Child Sexual Abuse Review Panel

TST is recommending member agencies and ISVAs to alert their clients to the new right to review which has just been established by the Crown Prosecution Service and Police. The issue of survivors feeling that their case has not been investigated thoroughly or that perpetrators have not been charged has caused great distress for many survivors over many years.
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.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse: "Law must change" says Rape & CSA Charities

NAPAC (the National Association for People Abused in Childhood) is leading a coalition of charities in the call for legislation to introduce ‘Mandatory reporting’. The law would make failure to report suspected or known child abuse in ‘Regulated Activities’ a criminal offence. Regulated Activities include schools, sports clubs linked to national sports bodies, children’s homes and faith organisations*.
Boarding Concern

Boarding Concern supports people who were harmed or abused whilst at boarding school.
Accessibility
Axis Counselling (Telford Office)

All survivors aged 11+. Area covered: Shrewsbury, Telford, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and the Welsh borders
Definitions of Sexual Violence

It can be hard to come to terms with what happened and even harder to understand how it is defined in the law. Here are the most current definitions of sexual violence in the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
Nottingham Counselling Service

All survivors. Area covered: Nottinghamshire

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