Building Support Networks After Sexual Abuse
Discover how to create and maintain supportive connections that aid your recovery. Learn about different types of support available and how to access them safely.
Understanding Support Networks
Support networks are the people, groups, and services that help you on your recovery journey. These can include professional support services, trusted friends and family, peer support groups, and specialist organisations. Having reliable support helps reduce isolation and provides practical and emotional assistance when needed.
Common Challenges in Finding Support
Many survivors face difficulties when building support networks. Understanding these challenges helps address them:
Fear of judgment or disbelief
Difficulty trusting new people or services
Uncertainty about where to find support
Worry about confidentiality
Challenges in asking for help
Finding culturally appropriate support
The Power of Connection
Building Your Circle of Support
Connecting with others who understand your experiences through supervised support groups.
Building connections with carefully chosen friends and family who respect your journey.
Accessing community resources and support services in your area that understand trauma.
Survivor Resources & Research
Learning from other survivors journeys can be a powerful tool, and make you feel much less alone. Access specialist articles, survivor stories, and evidence-based research about childhood sexual violence recovery and support.
Articles and guides covering trauma responses, recovery stages, and practical support strategies for survivors of childhood sexual violence.
A curated collection of poems written by survivors of sexual abuse, sharing personal experiences of trauma, healing, and recovery. *Please note that whilst this content is moderated you may find some of it triggering so please take care*
Key findings from our research , revealing crucial insights into sexual violence and abuse, how survivors access support services, costs to the NHS and survivor experiences, and more
With your support, we can help more survivors access the support they need when they need it. Every donation directly funds our work to supporting those affected by sexual violence.