Mesarch - Join a thousand voices for change!

Mesarch (Multi-disciplinary Evaluation of Sexual Assault Referral Centres for better Health) is a 4 year landmark research study that seeks to identify effective models of care and interventions for survivors of sexual violence and abuse. 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’.

This is your opportunity to speak out and have your voice heard! If you would like to know more please click here

Latest

The Survivors Trust to deliver enhanced support for ISVAs

The Survivors Trust to develop specialised training and holistic support for Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) in England and Wales.
Sexual harassment, prevention & awareness training

Sexual harassment, prevention & awareness training will develop your staff’s knowledge and understanding of harassment and bullying in the workplace and in particular the impact this can have on people’s lives.
Dorota's Story

Please know you are not alone in your trauma, abuse and whatever you have gone through. There are people out there to help so make sure you reach out if you need help.
James' Story

Life is okay, you know. Obviously it has its up and downs. And there is light at the end of any dark place.

Flow

This short film, inspired by interviews with victims/survivors, employs the power of storytelling to spark debate about how we, as a society, hinder the disclosure of childhood sexual abuse.
Survivor Support Resources

The Survivors Trust Resources site is an online platform designed to offer survivor-led resources and practical tools to help people affected by sexual violence and abuse, and their supporters navigate their journey of healing. We explore some of the common challenges that survivors may have including topics such as anxiety & panic; shame & guilt; intimacy; relationships; dissociation; sleep and much more.
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.
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.
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’.
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.
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.
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.
'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.
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.

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.
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.
Jessica's story

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

The Survivors Trust is the largest umbrella agency for specialist sexual violence support services in Europe. Our member agencies provide information, advice, support and therapy to over 100,000 individual survivors each year. Our services work with victims and survivors of all ages and genders, of all forms of sexual violence, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation.
RAINS (Ritual Abuse Information Network and Support)

Information & advice service for survivors of ritual abuse.
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.
"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.
Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVA)

Many specialist support agencies offer an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) service to victims/survivors of rape and sexual assault. An ISVA is trained to look after your needs, and to ensure that you receive care and understanding.
Izzy's Story

I don’t know how my story will impact anybody, but I know it needs to be told. And if this story reaches you, I am so proud of you and your strength.

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. Read more