Working with survivors of rape, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation

Revival – Wiltshire RASAC offers free, confidential counselling and support to male and female survivors who have been raped, sexually abused or sexually exploited.  It doesn't matter when or where.  No one should suffer in silence.  We are here to help survivors make sense of what's happened to them and begin to make life changing choices for themselves.

My journey started 20 years ago and now after 20 years and 2 years of talking to Revival I am able to say “I’m proud of myself” I know who I am now.

When I first came I was so confused and didn’t understand any of it, but now I understand it all.

I was sexually abused for 10 years of my life and I am not ashamed or scared to tell people now.

It’s part of me, part of my history, my life.  I can’t change it and I don’t want to.  Anyone can get through the bad times by trusting and believing in themselves.

My story is still not finished but it is coming to a happy ending.  Be strong and you can feel as I do now, don’t be scared of it.

Has your life been affected by rape or sexual abuse?

The long term effects of sexual violence can be difficult to come to terms with, whoever you are, but it is not something you need to do alone. 

You may be experiencing some of the following effects:

• Overwhelmed by emotions and feelings
• Memories in the form of flashbacks, body memories, mental images or nightmares
• Anxiety
• Feelings of fear, guilt, shame or anger
• Depression
• Sexual difficulties
• Eating disorders
• Low self-esteem
• Difficulty protecting yourself in harmful situations
• Parenting or relationship problems
• Drinking heavily, self-harming or taking drugs as a way of coping
• Feeling suicidal

Many survivors feel that what happened to them was a long time ago and they don't want to bring it all up again – but if it’s having an effect on your life, maybe it never really went away.

Counselling Enquiries : 01225 751 568

appointments(at)revival-wiltshirerasac.org.uk

Our counselling is not suitable for clients with severe cognitive or learning difficulties, or severe speech and language problems. Furthermore, Revival—Wiltshire RASAC does not knowingly work with perpetrators of sexual offences.

Sexual offending is not a natural consequence of having been abused.  If you are concerned about your own, or someone else’s behaviour, help and advice is available.

http://www.stopitnow.org.uk/

http://www.parentsprotect.co.uk/