Hear me. Believe me. Respect me. A survey of adult survivors of child sexual abuse and their experience of support service

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Abstract

This study reveals the critical support needs and experiences of adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) in the UK, revealing profound insights from one of the nation’s largest surveys on the subject. With nearly 400 survivors participating, the research uncovers the stark realities of CSA - predominantly occurring within family settings, often enduring for years, and resulting in significant barriers to disclosure and justice. The findings underscore the inadequate response and support from statutory services compared to the more positively viewed voluntary and independent sectors. Survivors reported a severe lack of accessible, responsive, and survivor-centered support services, highlighting the necessity for more proactive, informed, and empathetic service provision. This study argues for a reimagined approach to CSA support, emphasizing the importance of listening, believing, and respecting survivors, alongside a strategic shift towards empowering the voluntary sector to lead support initiatives. It challenges prevailing misconceptions and calls for a more vigilant, survivor-informed support system that prioritizes the well-being and recovery of CSA survivors. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding CSA and the pivotal role of effective support services in facilitating survivors' healing journeys.

Authors

• Cristian Mihai Dogaru, University of Suffolk

• Fiona Ellis, Co-Founder & CEO, Survivors in Transition