We offer individual counselling, group work and helpline services from our base in Shadwell, London E1.
Vision
Anyone affected by male sexual violation is appropriately supported
Mission
SurvivorsUK was established as a service for male survivors, to cater for people not provided for by other services. We are an inclusive service and welcome anyone who identifies as male, trans, non-binary, has identified as male in the past, or anyone who feels that we are the right fit for them
Note: Sexual violation includes both childhood sexual abuse and adult sexual assault/rape
Values
- Challenges perceptions – those of survivors, those of the public and those of decision makers
- Helps men who have been sexually abused at any point in their lives and also provides support for their families
- Being transparent in its every day operation and communication
- Believes in nurturing, supporting and motivating our colleagues and clients to develop and grow is non-judgemental – we believe and accept people’s experiences and the impacts of those experiences
About our work
■ What work does SurvivorsUK do?
We provide a national helpline and both individual counselling and group work from our base in Shadwell, London, E1. The counselling and groups are for boys and adult men (13 and over) who have experienced sexual abuse at any time in their lives and we also offer workshops for carers/partners/supporters of male survivors. We provide training to professionals and organisations working with adult male survivors.
■ Is there a need for this work?
Home Office Crime Reports estimate that there are more than 2 million adult male survivors of sexual abuse in the UK. There are fewer than 20 services nationally that offer support to these men and SurvivorsUK is one of very few that do so exclusively. We currently assess more than 150 people per year for counselling services and receive more than 2500 calls to our helpline.
■ How is it different from other providers?
SurvivorsUK is the only male-centric service (offering therapeutic services primarily to men as the focus of the organisation) in London. There are two other organisations that we know of offering support to men as a section of their service. All other independent sexual violence services in London are women only.
■ Who benefits from SurvivorsUK services?
- Men who are the survivors of sexual crime
- The families and carers of these men who come to us for support
- The families and carers of these men including their immediate community who benefit from survivors better able to integrate their experiences and participate in family and community life
- The wider community which is less burdened by the medical, support and criminal justice costs of assisting these men and coping with the consequences of some of their actions
- The male survivors and their carers that come into contact with front lineworkers better able to support them through receiving SurvivorsUK training
- Trans, non-binary, people who have identified as male in the past, or anyone who feels that we are the right fit for them
■ What geographical area does SurvivorsUK cover?
Web chat users come from across the country. Although we are a London based service, our clients come from across Greater London, Surrey, Essex and sometimes further afield. As long as you’re able to get to us we can support you.
■ How many people use SurvivorsUK each year?
We typically get over 2,500 calls to our helpline every year. Between 100 and 150 people come into the counselling service. Additionally, we respond to around 500 e-mails sent through our website from clients seeking help and professionals enquiring about training.
■ Do you offer legal advice?
SurvivorsUK supports the emotional and mental health needs of our clients but we’re not able to offer legal or other practical support.
