The Survivors Trust

The Survivors Trust is a vital national membership organization dedicated to supporting and empowering survivors of rape, sexual violence, and childhood sexual abuse. As an umbrella agency, it serves as a central hub for over 120 specialist voluntary sector services across the UK and Ireland. These member organizations collectively provide a wide range of essential, front-line services to tens of thousands of survivors each year, including counseling, therapeutic support, helplines, and support groups.

At its core, The Survivors Trust works to ensure that people who have experienced sexual violence, regardless of age, or background, have access to the specialized support they need to heal and recover. The organization recognizes that the impact of sexual violence can be devastating and long-lasting, and its mission is to create a society where survivors can access effective, trauma-informed care at the right time.

The Survivors Trust Conference 2024 - Friday

The work of The Survivors Trust is multi-faceted and extends beyond just direct service provision. It serves as a powerful collective voice for the sexual violence and abuse voluntary sector, using its position to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and advocate for systemic change. The organization campaigns for improved responses to sexual violence on local, regional, and national levels, working closely with government agencies, the police, and the NHS to ensure that the needs of survivors and the services that support them are heard by those in positions of power.

Key areas of their work include:

• Providing a National Collective Voice: They amplify the voices of survivors and their member organizations to influence policy and bring attention to critical issues, such as challenges within the justice system and the need for long-term funding for support services.
• Education and Training: The Survivors Trust is committed to ensuring that all areas of society understand the impact of sexual violence. They deliver accredited training to a wide range of professionals, including police officers, healthcare staff, and educators, promoting trauma-informed practices and high-quality, effective responses to disclosures of abuse.
• Supporting Survivors: While their primary role is as a membership organization, they operate a free and confidential national helpline and live chat service. These services provide a safe, inclusive space for survivors, as well as their friends, family, and professionals, to receive emotional support, information, and guidance on finding local services.
• Resource Development: They have developed comprehensive online resources designed by and for survivors, offering self-help toolkits and information on common challenges related to sexual trauma, such as dissociation, stress, and relationships.

In a landscape where many services have historically worked in isolation, The Survivors Trust plays a crucial role in fostering a strong, connected network. By providing a platform for peer networking and collaboration, they help their members share knowledge, secure resources, and maintain the high standards of care necessary to support survivors on their healing journeys. They are a dedicated force for change, working tirelessly to create a more understanding and supportive world for all survivors.