Who we Support

Survivors

We support anyone who identifies as a woman and young people (aged 12-18) who have experienced sexual violence in any form, at any time in their lives.

 

 

Family and Friends

We recognise that family members and friends can play an important role in supporting recovery and healing. Our services offer individual support to partners, family and friends if they know someone who has been affected by sexual violence.

We also provide support for families through our dedicated Young People and Families Support Service.

 

Professionals

We offer practical information and emotional support to workers who are supporting people who are affected by sexual violence. We will not ask for the survivors details. We also have a resource library which can be accessed by appointment.

 

Why do we use the term survivor?

We use the term ‘survivor’ when referring to someone who has experienced sexual violence at any time in their life, rather than the legal term ‘victim’.

The definition of ‘survivor’ is “a Person who continues to function and prosper in spite of opposition, hardship or set back.” Synonyms include: Outlast, Prevail, Remain, Endure (Dictonary.com)

The definition of ‘victim’ is “a person who suffers from a destructive or injurious action or agency”. Synonyms include: Martyr, Fatality, Casualty, Sufferer. (Dictonary.com)

We collectively refer to women and young people affected by sexual violence as survivors in recognition of their strength and survival. It is important to acknowledge that not all women and young people who have experienced sexual violence will see themselves as survivors, depending on where someone is on their journey. For this reason at an individual level we always mirror a survivor’s language and how they view themselves.

We also refer to the survivors we work with as ‘women’ and ‘young people’ as before being labelled as ‘victims’ or ‘survivors’ by society this is who they were, and who they still are.