Sexual abuse can (and does) happen to anyone, regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, ability impairment, height, weight, hair and eye colour, accent, etc... you get the idea? The only physical commonality between all survivors of sexual abuse is that they were abused.

However we can absolutely, 100%, definitely, without a shadow of a doubt say about you and every other survivor is that...

    1) It was not your fault you were abused or raped.

    2) You are not alone in your pain and suffering.
 

    3) You can and do have the ability to begin to heal.

Whenever the abuse happened the after-effects/consequences or 'legacy' can be exhibited in a wide variety of behaviours, emotions and feelings. Some people say that they believe the abuse they suffered as a child has not affected them as yet, or now. This maybe true for those individuals, the important point we're trying to make is that sexual abuse and rape affects us all in different ways... experience is absolutely unique to the individual. Many of us may have a shared fear or feel a similar way, but just because one individual feels one way it doesn't necessarily mean that you should feel or have to feel the same way. Our feelings are exactly that... OUR FEELINGS.

With that in mind, we want to be clear that this section of the site isn't here to give you a list of emotions you are feeling, should be feeling, or will feel. It's designed to help you begin to explore your feelings; hopefully help normalise some of what your feeling; gain some insight into how your feeling - even if that's that your not feeling or experiencing anything that's written. Where possible we've also tried to source and provide you with some helpful guides, tips and advice that will assist you in your journey of recovery.

If you want to comment on any of the text here, ask any questions or find out where you can read more about a particular subject, please don't be afraid to do so. We are always willing to listen, talk to you and help where we can. Email us at info@survivorsmanchester.org.uk
 

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