Our History

Survive begun in York in 1990 as a survivor-led support group for women who had been subjected to child sexual abuse. They found comfort in talking to others who had the shared experience of child sexual abuse. A helpline and library of self-help books followed.

Three decades later, Survive now supports any adults across North Yorkshire who have been subjected to sexual violence including rape, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, as well as grooming, sexual exploitation and the coercive sexual control often present in abusive relationships.

Survive now delivers the following range of services:

  • Support work – offering emotional and practical support
  • Counselling – to contain, stabilise, regulate emotions, manage anxiety and flashbacks
  • Trauma therapy – focussing on what happened – sometimes incorporating EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) to reduce Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms
  • CHOICES service – to help survivors make informed decisions about reporting, not reporting, providing anonymous intelligence, engaging in Restorative Justice or pursuing civil remedies

And continues to offer:

  • Helpline – ad hoc emotional support for survivors and non-survivors (e.g. parents, partners, friends of survivors)
  • Book loan service – inspirational survivor stories and self-help books about coping with the impact of sexual trauma.

Through the delivery of these specialist services and interventions, Survive helps survivors develop skills and strategies to cope and recover from what happened; help reduce their psychological distress and trauma symptoms – including reduction in guilt, shame and self-blame; and give survivors hope for a better future with a real chance to rebuild their lives, relationships and reach their potential.

Last year, Survive delivered 4,095 hours of support work, counselling, trauma work and EMDR. 

“Survive has achieved so much since the first seeds were sown three decades ago. For those with experience of sexual abuse, the legacy leaves a long and difficult road to travel. Sadly, the need for the vital support and services Survive provides to aid people on that journey is as great as it ever was – perhaps even more so in these challenging times.”

Ruth, Founder of Survive in 1990

Support for victims of sexual violence York

THE SURVIVOR - JANE

"Survive has given me the skills to work through my memories"

Over time, I learned that every flashback was a signpost to the next memory to work on and my tolerance to the emotional rollercoaster grew.

Back to top

Sign up for our e-newsletter to receive regular updates on how we are helping survivors of sexual trauma rebuild their lives, relationships and reach their potential.