Survivor blog
After isn’t After
A little while ago, we received a poem in our inbox. Its words thoughtfully captured a personal experience of sexual violence, and with the author’s permission, we’re sharing it here, knowing it may resonate with many of our followers and supporters.
Izzy’s London Landmarks Half Marathon Story
“It was a lot harder than I thought! But it was just so much fun, and I was so proud of myself for doing it.”
Surviving online sexual abuse
In this blog, a survivor of online abuse talks about the impact this type of abuse had on them as well as the different areas of their life.
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.
Robbie’s London Marathon Story
“For about 8 months on and off I was emailing your support team, and the support and compassion was absolutely incredible.”
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.
The power of creativity in healing: songs of survival
Recently, two people reached out to us independently, each having recorded a song about their personal experiences of sexual violence. Their powerful and deeply moving songs serve as a testament to resilience, and we’re honoured they asked us to share their work.
Shame must change sides
In four words, Gisèle Pelicot articulated what all women around the world need to hear. I want to explore the experience of shame as a victim of rape, because sometimes it’s just not as easy as “I shouldn’t be ashamed, so I won’t be”.
Rape Culture: not just a buzzword
A university student, who experienced sexual violence during the first month of enrolling, reflects on the aftermath and the pervasive nature of rape culture on campus and within wider society.
Reclaiming sleep
We recently shared a blog about the importance of sleep for trauma survivors – but what can you do when your own bed was the scene of those painful experiences?
16 Days of Activism: Q&A with The Flying Child
For #16DaysOfActivism we asked Sophie Olson, founder of The Flying Child, three questions about the importance of activism.
Exploring Trauma Labels
Personally, I have never felt comfortable with the labels Victim, Survivor or Victim-Survivor being applied to me despite having lived experience of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) alongside other adverse childhood experiences.
My faith, my healing journey, and starting those conversations with your therapist
If faith is an important part of your life you may be wondering how this can be brought into your counselling sessions. One of our counsellors explores this topic and talks about her experiences both as a counsellor and a counselling client.
Self-care – a journey
Please be aware that what I share below are my thoughts, feelings and beliefs. I will try to be as honest as I can.
The puppet princess – a poem
This incredible poem is written by a victim-survivor who uses poetry to express her feelings through storytelling and fairy tales.
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.
An open letter
I am writing this ‘open letter’ as a victim of sexual and emotional abuse in the hope that it may touch others and provide hope. That it may, in some minute way, bring about a grain of change that can be built on over time.
Jellyfish – a safe and happy place
This beautiful piece of writing was produced by one of the participants in our Creative Minds group. The group were thinking about creating a safe and happy place.
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.
How could I be friends with the man who assaulted me?
I recently read an article in the Guardian about what they called ‘unacknowledged rape’. The article stated that a large percentage of women have experienced sexual assault that they label as a misunderstanding, and it led me to think about sharing my own experience.
Can We Really Reclaim the Night?
A thoughtful blog from one of our counsellors about feeling less safe when the days get shorter and the season changes.
How to make a self-care glitter jar
Making a glitter jar can be a relaxing and grounding experience, plus you have a re-usable grounding object at the end of it!
Trauma and dissociation: part two
What can be useful as part of the recovery from dissociation trauma?
Trauma and dissociation: part one
One of our great trauma therapists discusses what dissociation is and some of the symptoms that people may experience.
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.
Motherhood and trauma
From one of our brilliant counsellors who looks at the experiences of mother’s who have experienced trauma.
The impact of trauma and cervical screening
One of our fabulous counsellors writes about the impact of trauma and cervical screening.
The impact of trauma and menstruation
One of our great trauma counsellors writes about how the menstrual cycle can be harder to care for, for those who experience sexual abuse and body trauma. This can be true for all vaginal care needs and can cause a disconnect from the vagina to the body as a whole.
Does it help to heal and move on if the perpetrator shows true remorse?
A victim-survivor talks about their own experience of dealing with forgiveness.
SARSAS Blog – Your voice
We love this poem from an amazing victim-survivor that is both a powerful account of personal experiences and a rallying call to action.
