Charity urges sexual abuse survivors to reach out for help
Children, families, and men are benefitting from tailored support
A charity supporting survivors of sexual violence is urging people not to suffer in silence.
FearFree says it's seeing more people reach out for help as they recover from their experiences.
Adrian Madden, FearFree Team Manager for Children and Family Services, explained that sexual violence includes any non-consensual sexual contact, ranging from harassment to rape.
He emphasised the importance of shining a light on these issues as many people may not even recognise the signs of sexual violence happening to them.
"The demand for our services has been continuous," Adrian said. "Support is needed across all ages, including children, families, and men, who are sometimes overlooked in this context."
Breaking the cycle of abuse
FearFree's mission is to educate and empower victims and survivors, enabling them to identify abusive behaviour and understand the warning signs.
The charity's motto is "breaking the cycle of abuse," and their work addresses this goal by informing individuals of behaviours that constitute sexual violence.
"It's vital that people reach out for help instead of living silently with these experiences," Adrian said.
Support for men and tailored programs
FearFree offers support for male survivors, providing safe spaces and fostering a supportive community through dedicated groups.
Adrian expressed pride in the flourishing efforts that help men understand and cope with their experiences of sexual violence.
A notable program at FearFree is the Journey to Healing course, which features trauma recovery, coping mechanisms, community support, counselling, and pre-trial therapy where needed.
Encouragement to seek help
Adrian's key message for those suspecting or knowing they've experienced sexual violence is simple yet profound: "We are here, we believe you, and we will offer the help that you need. We recommend and invite you to get in touch."
People can find support for sexual abuse, and other forms of harm, via FearFree's website.