SARSAS news
The growing threat of AI-generated sexual abuse: why we need stronger protections now
Our trainer, Jade, took to LinkedIn to express support for Jess Asato, stating: “My support goes out to Jess Asato MP and every woman and child targeted by the non-consensual creation of AI-generated sexual and degrading images.”. Here we explore this worrying issue in more detail and the impact it has on society and survivors.
Why workplace sexual harassment training is a financial investment
Last year, SARSAS reached out to the financial sector, training staff at Digby Associates in Sexual Harassment at Work, as part of our continued efforts and collaborations to create safe, inclusive workplaces where staff can thrive and, together, we can prevent sexual violence.
SARSAS Silent Auction 2026: online charity auction supporting survivors
Join our online silent auction raising funds for survivors of sexual violence, supporting our specialist counselling and support services across Avon and Somerset.
SARSAS and UWE Bristol launch survivor-led Health Research Partnership
SARSAS is proud to announce a new survivor-led health research partnership with UWE Bristol, supported through a Researcher in Residence award from BNSSG ICB.
Bad Experience, not Bad Character: campaign win
Earlier this year, Rape Crisis, along with Centre for Women’s Justice, End Violence Against Women Coalition, Imkaan and Rights of Women, launched a joint #BadExperiencesNotBadCharacter campaign.
What is technology-facilitated abuse?
Technology-facilitated abuse covers a wide variety of actions and abusive behaviours. Online platforms can facilitate new forms of control an abuser could have over their victim such as monitoring online presences on social media, having control of accounts and access to emails.
SARSAS Awarded £260K Community Fund Grant!
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that SARSAS has been awarded a £260,000 grant from The National Lottery’s Reaching Communities Fund.
Keeping Counselling Confidential: campaign win
As one of 36 member centres of Rape Crisis England & Wales (RCEW), we’re celebrating a major step forward in protecting survivors’ privacy. Thanks to RCEW and partner organisations, new legislation will safeguard counselling notes – a key outcome of the powerful Keep Counselling Confidential campaign.
Introducing our new strategy
We are thrilled to share our new three-year strategy, which sets out the direction and priorities for SARSAS as we continue our vital work supporting survivors and challenging sexual violence.
We Hear You – A SARSAS short film, listening, believing and supporting survivors of sexual violence
Watch ‘We Hear You – a short SARSAS film and a testament to the power of listening, believing and supporting survivors.
SARSAS Supporter Celebration: an evening of courage, healing & hope
On Thursday 9 October, the SARSAS community came together at Hamilton House in Bristol, to celebrate, give thanks, and share our vision for the years ahead.
Celebrating impact: our 2024 – 2025 report
We’re proud to share our Impact Report for 2024-2025; a reflection of the resilience, courage, and hope that defines SARSAS and the people we support.
Ending sexual violence without fueling hate
At SARSAS, we know that violence against women and girls (VAWG) is rooted in misogyny, inequality, power and control. It is not about immigration. That’s why we have joined over 100 women’s rights organisations in signing a joint letter with the End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW), against the weaponisation of VAWG.
Holding Space: a peer support group for older women
Last month, we launched a new peer support group for older women (aged 55 and over) who have experienced sexual violence at any point in their lives.
Making Waves: building confidence and connection on the water
Earlier this year, we partnered with All-Aboard Watersports – a charity that helps people access watersports in the heart of Bristol Harbour. Together, we ran a weekly group for eight survivors currently waiting for support with SARSAS.
Isabelle Smith, star of Hollyoaks: Why I’m running the Great Manchester Run for SARSAS
We’re so proud to share that Isabelle Smith, Hollyoaks star, is running the Great Manchester Run 10k this weekend in support of SARSAS!
We’re Here: a campaign for survivors of sexual assault in Bristol
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been proud to be part of something really special. The “We’re Here” campaign launched across Bristol to let survivors of sexual assault know: you’re not alone, and there is support.
Kinergy closure statement
We are deeply saddened by the closure of Kinergy, an organisation that has provided invaluable support to survivors of sexual violence for nearly 30 years.
A year of transition and resilience – SARSAS Impact Report 2023 – 2024
We’re pleased to share our Impact Report for the last financial year.
New! Learning Disabilities & Autism (LDA) Toolkit
We’re proud to share our Learning Disabilities and Autism toolkit for anyone working with people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced sexual violence.
A Year of Trans, Non-Binary & Intersex (TNBI) Best Practice: with Loving Me
On November 19th, in recognition of Trans Day of Remembrance on the following day, we proudly hosted our fourth online Trans, Non-Binary, and Intersex Best Practice (TNBI) event.
Joint advice on getting help after rape and sexual assault and the use of self-swab kits
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, there is support available from organisations in Bristol and throughout Avon and Somerset.
We’ve relaunched our online consent website for teens!
Navigating the world of sex and consent can feel overwhelming, especially for young people. That’s why we’re excited to relaunch PAUSE PLAY STOP – a free, easy-to-use online tool designed to help students aged 13+ feel more confident and in control when it comes to sex and consent.
A new resource for adult survivors of Sibling Sexual Abuse (SSA)
We are proud to announce the launch of a ground-breaking new website dedicated to supporting adult survivors of Sibling Sexual Abuse (SSA). This vital resource, designed by and for survivors, aims to fill a gap in the current support available for those who have faced the unique and often isolating trauma of SSA.
The Impact of Being a Trustee: More Than Just Meetings
Rachel Notley (SARSAS Trustee) recently shared her experience of being a Trustee in ‘Celebrate: Trowbridge Community Paper’
Trans, Non-Binary, and Intersex (TNBI) Support Group
Coming together in a confidential space to support each other and identify ways to move forward after rape & sexual abuse.
Celebrating Pride: Standing with LGBTQIA+ Victim-Survivors
At SARSAS, we are committed to supporting LGBTQIA+ people throughout the year.
Spotlight behind Hollyoaks sibling sexual abuse (SSA) storyline
For this blog, we’re joined by Tanith McCulloch, SARSAS Sibling Sexual Abuse Project Officer, as we go behind the scenes (and the screens!) to talk about our decision to work with Hollyoaks to help bring the message of sibling sexual abuse to a brand new audience.
Meet our new CEO: Lorri Weaving
We’re delighted to welcome Lorri Weaving as our new CEO. Lorri joined the SARSAS team three and a half years ago as Head of Services.
During this time, she’s been instrumental in helping to develop our service delivery teams, including our counselling, specialist support work and pathway navigation teams, as well as our helpline services.
Trans inclusion best practice sharing event
During LGBT History Month we held our second national trans inclusion best practice sharing event for professionals working in the sector.
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.
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.
Meet our Menopause & Menstruation Champion
World Menopause Day is held every year on the 18 October to raise awareness of the menopause and the support options available for improving health and wellbeing.
The first ever #SiblingsToo day
15 April 2023 sees the launch of the first Annual International #SiblingsToo Day, breaking the silence of sibling sexual abuse by sharing science and stories from professionals and lived experience experts.
SARSAS Response to the PEEL (Police Efficiency, Effectiveness and Legitimacy) Report
Here we look through and respond to some of the main findings and recommendations of the report.
Findings from our Gender Diverse Focus Groups
Our senior trainer Emma takes you through the findings and best practice recommendations from our gender diverse focus groups.
Join us in the #16DaysChallenge!
We have had enough of women being given rape alarms and drink covers, being asked why they didn’t leave, told to walk in pairs…it doesn’t work. We can’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results. The time has come for a new approach.
I have suicidal thoughts – how can SARSAS support me?
If you are feeling suicidal, you might be scared by these feelings and worried about what will happen if you tell anyone. Remember, there are ways to get help.
