Listen, believe, support - Yellow

Professionals blog

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Neuroplasticity: the power of the brain in healing after sexual violence

An experience of rape or sexual abuse can impact us physically, emotionally, and psychologically. It’s common to struggle with feelings of shame, self-blame, and negative thoughts afterwards.

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Celebrating trans, non-binary and intersex inclusion

We were thrilled to hold our first Trans Inclusion Practice Sharing event at then end of last year. An online ‘lunch and learn’ for people working in sexual violence support services across the country.

Bronze scales on a desk next to open notebook and judges hammer.

What next for people with lived experience when the justice process fails?

I usually enjoy my job as a trauma counsellor for SARSAS – it’s a privilege to participate in clients’ recovery journeys. However, I find supporting clients who have had negative experiences while seeking justice some of the saddest journeys, and the ones most likely to invoke my anger at the injustices within this broken system.

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A year of growth and victim-survivor voice: the SARSAS Impact Report

Last year we supported 747 people through counselling, specialist support and group work and provided 968 hours of support through our helpline services. We launched our new website and brand and delivered training to 3509 people. We are so proud of our amazing team and everything we have achieved together.

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What is the Window of Tolerance?

Have you heard of the Window of Tolerance?

We talk about the window of tolerance a lot in our support and group work and many victim-survivors find it helpful as a way of understanding some of their responses to trauma.

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Volunteering at SARSAS as a young person

A comms volunteer talks about their experience at SARSAS and why you should get involved too.

A cartoon image of a man shouting at a women. She is sitting on the floor and he is above her. There is a silhouette of fists behind him.

Trauma Bonding

Trauma bonding is a common psychological response to cycles of abuse.

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Why we keep telling women to “stay safe” on nights out and why it is such a problem

Our comms volunteer shares her thoughts on sexual violence at university and on nights out and discusses what needs to change.

A woman giving a thumbs down sign over her groin.

Lets Talk About Vaginismus

An often-difficult topic to discuss, but like many other topics the more we talk about them the less embarrassment they bring, and the more help and support people can access.

4 women sitting under a gazebo

SARSAS at Glastonbury festival

We were invited to Glastonbury festival this year to offer support to those who needed it and whilst we always hope not to be needed, we were glad to be there for those who did need support.