New report on supporting trans and nonbinary survivors of sexual violence

Trans and non-binary survivors of sexual violence should be able to safely access existing support spaces, as well as having specialised spaces, declare local organisations Survivors’ Network and Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard, which have jointly released a report summarising findings from a consultation and group run for trans and non-binary survivors of sexual violence in Sussex.

The two organisations worked together, through joint funding provided by the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, to consult the local trans, nonbinary and intersex community on their needs and to seek to create a safe, supportive space for survivors to share their experiences and provide peer support.

The project was created to address trans and nonbinary people who have experienced sexual violence struggling to find appropriate, inclusive support, and sought to understand what organisations can do to improve access.

The report details the project’s success, shares comments from group member’s feedback and makes a series of recommendations for services who support survivors of sexual violence and abuse.

The recommendations are:1. Trans inclusion in existing spaces;

2. Trans & non-binary specific spaces (never at the expense of access elsewhere);

3. Service user involvement;

4. Wide ranging, flexible, accessible support not tethered to the criminal justice system;

5. Staff training, development and recruitment.

Jay Breslaw, Survivors’ Network CEO, said of the project: “We are so proud to share this work with our fellow Rape Crisis Centres, who we know are passionate about ensuring that all survivors are made to feel supported, listened to and believed. We hope that the recommendations from this report can go some way to helping us and other centres to ensure that trans and non-binary survivors are getting the level of care they deserve.”

Jacob Bayliss, Switchboard CEO, added: “This is an incredibly important piece of work that speaks to the need for truly inclusive services and models a community-led approach to shaping and improving provision alongside survivors.

“Working with Survivors’ Network has been such a rewarding process and together we’ve learned so much that we hope we can share with any group or organisation wanting to hold a space for trans and non-binary survivors or simply to better understand the issues and ideas around inclusion.”

The report highlighted the importance of the group that was developed within this project, and the impact that ending it due to funding expiring had on group members. Survivors’ Network is actively seeking funding for the continuation of this group.

To see the report, visit: www. survivorsnetwork.org.uk/wp-content/ uploads/2021/08/I-am-not-alone..pdf

Rape and sexual abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of their age, gender, race, religion, culture or social status. If you have experienced sexual violence at any point in your life then you can contact Survivors’ Network on 01273 203380, via email on info@survivorsnetwork.org.uk or visit www.survivorsnetwork.org.uk for more info on services.

For more info on Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard, visit: www.switchboard.org.uk