A SURVIVOR of sexual abuse is determined to help prevent as many children as she can from being abused during the coronavirus lockdown, sparing them the ordeal she suffered.

The woman, from Worcester, is drawing attention to the Truth Project which offers victims and survivors of sexual abuse the chance to share their experience and be heard with respect. She believes the project has never been more important than it is now when the opportunities for child sexual abuse are greatest. The vast majority of people are behind closed doors as people follow Government rules to stay inside in order to reduce the spread of the pandemic. Today, she urged victims and survivors to ‘be brave’ and ask for help by making contact with the Truth Project.

The risk, she says, may come from adults in the same home as children or from online predators as young people spend more time on computers, tablets and mobile phones. So far over 4,000 people have come forward to the Truth Project where trained professionals listen to the experiences of survivors and make suggestions so changes can be made to protect children from abuse now and in the future. The Truth Project was set up in 2015 as part of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.

The woman, who does not wish to be identified, said Covid-19 had caused ‘triggering and disturbing thoughts’ for her before it was revealed that lockdown measures had seen a rise in domestic and sexual abuse cases.

She made contact in the hope an article will raise awareness about the help available, including self-referral agencies and organisations ready to listen, in particular the Truth Project which she does not believe is as widely recognised as other organisations. She said: “Especially during lockdown there are high concerns that, sadly, people are more at risk due to children out of school, tensions, stress and the added access to iPads, computers and mobiles, where streaming and accessing corrupt sites are increased, inviting children especially, to be groomed and subjected to eventual harm. All of which is a window of opportunity to abuse, being greater than that of normal circumstances.

“The Truth Project is an Independent Inquiry into child sexual abuse. It offers victims and survivors the chance to share their experiences and be heard with respect, thus investigating the extent to which institutions and organisations have failed to protect children, finally being passed to Parliament to consider future recommendations to help children, making big changes to the prevention of child sexual abuse and mental health care in treating survivors. All is treated with strictest confidentiality and results following this inquiry, which is set to continue through 2021, will be available to all who have participated.”

The city survivor is taking part in the project in May and there is the option for a support worker to offer emotional support prior to the actual recorded telephone call or arranged email access. “A support worker for four weeks will ensure the stressful journey is less traumatic,” she said.

Breaking down in tears, the survivor said: “Please don’t be scared, speak up, you will be heard, you will be believed, you will be safe. Just your own words and those of thousands of others will add up to going towards helping children in future.

“If we do and say nothing-- then nothing will be done. We need to make Parliament aware of all our failings. If we could not protect ourselves in the past, as survivors we can do something now. Covid says Stay in, Stay Safe, Help NHS Save Lives. I agree, but I say be brave, contact the Truth Project, be counted, be heard, which in turn will save our children’s lives. They are our future. If you are suffering due to sexual abuse here is a list of agencies ready to listen, you have everything to gain by reaching out, just as I did.”

Help is available by calling the Truth Project (0800 917 1000), The Glade (0800 970 0377, local 01886 833555), West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support (01905 724514), Victim Support (0808 168 9111, local 01905 726896), the Survivors Trust (0808 801 0818), Rape Crisis (0808 802 9999), Life Centre (0808 802 0808), Safe Line -0808 800 5008 and West Mercia Police (101), the 5 Million Men helpline (0808 800 5005)

 

NOTE: Survivors of child sexual abuse who would like to share their experiences in writing or over the phone can find out more information by visting the Truth Project website - www.truthproject.org.uk/getting-in-touch