NORMALLY, when either the West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC) or I appear in the news it is about a lack of, or cut, in funding (a constant struggle) or when we have been asked to comment on a specific case.

We are one of those charities that most people only look for when they need support and, generally, sexual violence is not something people want to even acknowledge happens, let alone talk about.

We rarely get chance to share positives — to celebrate the fabulous work that our team does to support survivors of all forms of sexual violence across both Worcestershire and Herefordshire.

We work with women, men and children (aged 5+) and provide a lifeline — many of our clients say they have either considered or attempted suicide.

We are often the point of first disclosure — it can take years for someone to speak about what has happened to them.

We provide information and education so people can understand what happened to them, that it is not their fault and that the blame for all sexual offences must remain with the perpetrator.

How better to celebrate the work that our team does than in the words of one of our clients with permission.

“I cannot express highly enough the support, guidance, learning and insight this service has given me.

“My whole life, I have felt fearful, confused and BAD at a most profound and fundamental level. Through this provision of a safe space and a highly-skilled counsellor, I have slowly and at my own pace unravelled and explored my life and some of the negative, abusive events I have lived through.

“I have experienced a seismic shift in how I feel and think about myself.

“I have moved from a lifelong self-hatred and disgust that has permeated my very bones to a feeling of understanding, things falling into place and a sense of peace, self-compassion and self-acceptance.

“Thank you, not just for giving me my life back but for giving me freedom to truly live.”

I look forward to sharing more about our work and raising awareness in this column going forwards.

If you want to find out more about support or to donate to the charity, please visit https://www.wmrsasc.org.uk/get-involved/donate/

Our columnist Jocelyn Anderson is the CEO for West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (WMRSASC).