Cornwall Survivors is an open, voluntary group set in a non-clinical, safe environment. We are committed to the mutual support and healing of male survivors of rape and sexual abuse - whatever, whenever and however that abuse happened.
We all mask our painful, shameful stuff and by working in the Group, we learn to look behind the masks - to discover the true face on our feelings.
We acknowledge that anger is a powerful and liberating force in the healing process and that it is OK to express that anger appropriately. However, we do not tolerate violence towards any member of the group.
Is that we can, in time, heal and become stronger. That we can move forward to lead more positive, satisfying and resourceful lives. We hope to achieve our goal through the use of therapy, peer support and sharing our own personal experience when we feel ready and able to do that. Knowing that we are not alone in our suffering.
Make the decision to heal - actively choose to heal and be willing to accept the changes that go with it.
Remember what happened - incidents and feelings of the abuse took place.
Believe in the reality of the abuse and challenge the denial that 'it was really that bad.'
Break the silence and secrecy of childhood. Being able to tell those we trust about what happened and how we feel, is a powerful healing force.
Forgive. It is not necessary for you to forgive the person(s) who abused you. It is self-forgiveness that is important: that you forgive yourself for any shameful actions or negative behaviour you may have used in coping with your abuse.
Get in touch with the inner child - our own vulnerability - without fear and learn to be more open in experiencing the full range of our feelings.
Trust ourselves - our own thoughts, feelings and perceptions form a new basis for action in our lives.
Grieve and mourn. Most survivors haven't fully acknowledged their losses. Grieving is an important way to get in touch with your pain, let go and move on.
Be angry. Anger is the backbone of healing and to direct the rage squarely at your abuser(s) and at those who didn't protect you, is crucial to healing.
Understand that it wasn't our fault and place the blame where it belongs - directly on the shoulders of the abusers.
Is about exploring ourselves and about finding support in the Group to make that journey.
Safety
We always check that it is safe for anyone to join, work in or leave the Group.
Confidentiality & Respect
Anything that is discussed in the Group, stays in the Group. As we respect each others circumstances, that respect also comes to us. So, we learn to accept support to heal ourselves.
It's about letting go of whatever feelings you have about the abuse - be in anger, grief, shame or guilt - in your own way and come to terms with those feelings, however painful they are. In time, you can heal yourself and rebuild your life as you want to live it.
Time & Place
We meet every Tuesday in St Austell from 7.00pm onwards for about two hours.
We support male survivors of rape and sexual abuse aged 18 and over.
To contact us:
Cornwall Survivors
6 Walsingham Place
Truro
TR1 2RP
Freephone Helpline: 07800 940558
Every Wednesday evening between 6.00 & 8.00 pm.
All calls are treated with confidentiality and respect.
E mail:
David@cornwallsurvivors.org.uk
For a wealth of information - visit the Survivors Swindon Website.
