Our Services: Testimonies
It's hard to quantify success when talking about RASASC’s work, especially in
a world that relies on numbers and statistics to back everything up. Official figures for
sexually abused people range from 1 in 4 to 1 in 7 of the population. Whatever the correct
number, it is still too high and the demand for our services grows every year.
All we can say for certain is that we have witnessed positive changes in clients and
we feel the acceptance we offer helps them to start the very long process of starting to
accept themselves. It takes courage to talk, but it's vital for survivors of sexual abuse to
be able to confide in someone, whether
it's to a
helpline
volunteer
or one of our counsellors.
Some survivors
recall constantly but find it hard to speak about having
been sexually abused.
Other survivors
push the traumatic event from their mind and forget
for quite some time.
When they suddenly do remember, it’s the most enormous shock.
Either way, survivors can
experience breakdowns, depression, low self-esteem, relationship problems, self-harming,
eating disorders, drug abuse and alcoholism. We offer a place to be heard, and we should
never underestimate the healing experience we can provide.
RECENT CLIENT AND STAFF ENDORSEMENTS |
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Mr M said to us:
“Telling someone was the most difficult thing I have ever done but the most beneficial thing
I have ever done.”
Miss D:
“I could never have fallen in love if I hadn’t been coming here for counselling.”
Mrs X:
“I am now able to accept a kiss from my husband when he comes home from work, without recoiling.”
Mrs X:
“I’ve been dead for 30 years and now I’ve come alive again.”
Mr X:
“You have brought the sunshine back into my life.”
From a client who has changed the direction of his life by making new choices and started
a college course he had been dreaming about doing for years.
RASASC Counsellor:
“I never cease to be amazed and delighted by the courage and determination of our clients.
They arrive at our sessions often so scared and vulnerable and very unsure at what might
happen. Their constant struggle with trying to be positive when the world around them seems
so lonely and uncomfortable.”
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RECENT CLIENT AND STAFF ENDORSEMENTS |
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RASASC Counsellor:
“I have had several clients, each very different, but similar in the fear, pain and loss
they carry from the effects of sexual abuse. I am humbled by their courage and endurance.
It is a privilege to be allowed into their world and accompany them on their journey.”
RASASC Counsellor:
“A client who after years of thinking she wouldn’t achieve anything has successfully
embarked on an A level course and is finding for the first time in her life she CAN do
something well and more importantly, for herself.”
RASASC Counsellor:
“Since joining RASASC, I’ve discovered just how valuable a service such as ours can be. My
experiences on the helpline led me to want to continue with my counselling studies and now
I’m really proud to be associated with the face-to-face counselling service RASASC offers.”
RASASC Counsellor:
“A strong memory for me, was of an incredibly courageous woman who had suffered long term
social anxiety which prevented her from working or living her life as she wished to. We
worked with the shattered trust and low self esteem caused by early abuse and she said the
patience, compassion and understanding she found at RASASC helped her to rebuild her trust
in people. The social anxiety diminished gradually as faith in herself and trust in others
increased, and she now has new interests in her life and has begun working part time.”
RASASC Counsellor:
“One of the themes among my clients this year is how difficult it is for them to relive their
abuse. It is a painful experience and takes them back to all those original painful feelings.
It’s like putting your hand back into the flame that has already burnt you. Although it can
be so difficult for our clients to do so with courage and bravery, as abuse is surrounded by
secrecy, to eventually feel they can speak out is a freeing experience and lessens the
fear and the power their original abusers had over them. This can be the start on the road to
recover. RASASC offers the time, space and safety for clients to be able to tell their truth.”
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If you are survivor who has recovered with the help of RASASC's
services and would like to encourage others to do the same by
sharing your thoughts and feelings (for publishing anonymously), write to our
contact office - we'd be very pleased to hear from you.
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