Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week: We Stand with Survivors

 

This week marks Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week—and at The Somerset Phoenix Service, we are raising our voices with purpose and clarity:

 

•        Child sexual abuse happens.

•        It causes profound harm.

•        And every child deserves safety, protection, and hope.

 

Far too many survivors carry their experiences alone. Shame, fear, and harmful misconceptions continue to silence children and young people who need understanding—not judgement.

 

Awareness matters because silence enables abuse, while knowledge, belief, and collective action protect children.

Every day, we work alongside children and young people across Somerset who have experienced sexual abuse. We witness their resilience. We see the weight of trauma. And we see how lives can change when specialist, compassionate support is available.

 

We stand firm in our beliefs:

•        Every child has the right to be safe.

•        Every disclosure must be taken seriously.

•        Every survivor deserves to be believed, supported, and empowered.

•        Responsibility always lies with the person who caused harm—never the child.

 

This week, we call on our entire community—parents, carers, professionals, schools, and local organisations—to stand with survivors, to challenge harmful myths, and to help create safer environments for all children and young people.

 

Support Is Here

 

Somerset Phoenix Service

A specialist service, commissioned by Somerset ICB supporting children, young people and their families who have experienced childhood sexual abuse.

We also support the professional development of the workforce across Somerset through consultation & training.

Our goal is to empower others to join us in mitigating the negative impact of child sexual abuse on the lives of children and families living in Somerset, so they can rebuild & thrive.

 

HOME | ACTS FAST

Supporting families across the southwest impacted by child sexual abuse and online sexual offending.

 

We Stand

We Stand offers a range of support services and information for families affected by child sexual abuse.

 

SARSAS

Listening, believing and supporting - Support for people of all genders affected by rape or any kind of sexual assault or abuse at any time in their lives.

 

The Bridge - Help after rape and sexual assault

The Bridge is a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). We offer medical care, emotional and psychological support, and practical help to anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted.

 

Safe Link

Support anyone of any background, community, age or gender across the whole of Avon and Somerset area who has experienced sexual violence at any time in their life. You do NOT have to report to the police to access our services and the abuse could have happened recently or in the past.

 

CSA Centre

Find over 350 services for those affected by child sexual abuse in England and Wales in our directory of support services.

 

If a child or young person has experienced sexual abuse—or if you are worried about someone—specialist help is available. Early support can change a life.

 

• Together, we can break the silence.
• Together, we can protect children.
• Together, we can support healing and recovery.

 

Warmest wishes,

 

The Somerset Phoenix Team.