Sexual Abuse – The Green House, Bristol

Today I’d like to talk about The Green House, a charity which helps people of all ages who’ve experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence, formally known as the Avon Sexual Abuse Centre. I’ve been a trustee of this charity for some years now and I’m very proud of the work that it does. We are one of the few organisations in the country that offer psychotherapeutic therapy to men, women and children.We have qualified experienced counsellors and trained volunteers who provide specialist one to one serve. They also offer outreach services for men and group services for boys and girls separately. As an organisation we have a real depth of experience among the staff and trustees and are constantly looking for ways to improve the service.

There’s a huge need for the service and the statutory authorities do not have the capacity to meet the need. The number of people suffering sexual violence and abuse is quite staggering and, although I accept that people might find it safer and more reassuring to disclose abuse these days, it still is a relatively taboo subject. We see the expected reluctance in men to disclose abuse, and to some degree, boys reflect that gender position.

It seems poignant to reflect on  International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on this particular aspect of abuse where women are indeed the largest number of victims.

My own professional background dealt almost exclusively with crimes against children and was threaded through with some horrific stories of what happened to children of all ages. But the worst thing of all, for me, after the abuse its self was realising that many could not or would not access therapeutic support. There are some exceptionally gifted people in the community who can make a difference to those in need of some form of closure. It’s not just enough to show criminal justice – healing justice is crucial.

So more resources are needed to support more organisations such as The Green House (who have, by the way, a waiting list). It’s almost reinforcing the criminal to leave people, who desperately are in need of care and healing, without at least the offer of experienced help.

– For further information or to make an appointment with The Green House please telephone on
0117 935 1707 or email info@the-green-house.org.uk

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