Please note, the content of this article covers sensitive topics that some readers may find triggering.

Established in 1994, Safeline is a specialist sexual violence and abuse charity that is a person-centred and trauma-informed service. We support anyone irrespective of age (3+), gender, sexual identity, culture, religion, language and physical or mental health needs. 

 

 

Working for a charity like Safeline 

 

I have always felt driven to support people affected by sexual abuse, in particular young people. Sexual violence is a massive issue within society, resulting in devastating impacts on the individual affected. Over the last few years, the figures for sexual violence and online grooming have significantly increased. The recent findings from the Department of Education’s Review in 2021 found the prevalence of sexual violence and sexual harassment in schools and colleges was extremely high. 

 

I see it as a huge privilege to be part of making cultural and societal changes that tackle this issue by working for a charity that has the same goal and works incredibly hard to ensure clients feel safe, heard and supported in their recovery. 

 

Safeline’s strong ethos to put clients’ needs as paramount importance, completely aligns with my own values. 

 

Foundations Set During Early Years 

 

From the moment we are born our brain is cementing our foundations, beliefs system and ideologies, through family, community, relationships and society. These can either be positive or negative experiences. 

 

Anytime an individual is exposed to trauma such as sexual abuse, this can have an adverse effect on the brain, due to the incomprehensible psychological trauma suffered. After 29 years, Safeline are supporting more children and young people aged 5-18 who have suffered sexual abuse, online grooming, blackmailed or threatened into sending explicit or self-generated imagery. This can result in poor mental health, self-harm, low self-esteem, lack confidence, relationship breakdown, suicidal ideation and impact on school attendance, to highlight a few.

 

Supporting Young People to Create More Stable Foundations 

 

By providing intervention as early as possible to survivors affected by the complexities of trauma can aid in their recovery. The Prevention and Early Intervention team deliver informal education projects within schools and the community that provide young people with valuable knowledge about risks, alongside building confidence. 

 

We have seen phenomenal results through our work in schools, including changes in potential risky behaviour and improved mental health. The common feedback we receive is that young people feel listened to, not judged and taken seriously.