News / Service for child sex abuse victims relaunches
A GROUP set up 20 years ago to help victims of child sexual abuse in Shetland is expanding as it seeks to raise awareness of the issue and improve the range of help available to islanders overcome the damage they have suffered.
Survivors of Sexual Childhood Abuse Information and Resources (SSCHAIR) currently has 26 people on its books, with two dedicated 25-hour posts.
Laura Herculson is the service’s new coordinator, while support worker Suzi Inkster – who has been involved for around six years – offers one-to-one support, outreach support and enables people to access other services.
SSCHAIR, formerly known as the Sexual Abuse Survivors Support Group (SASSG), is now sharing premises at the south end of Lerwick’s Commercial Street with Shetland Link Up.
It was initially set up as SASSG in April 1996 by Sue Skinner to allow survivors to meet up and share their experiences. Initially it met monthly and received no funding, before going to achieve charitable status in 1998. Since 2006 it has been funded through Survivor Scotland, a national strategy run by the Scottish Government.
The group now offers weekly workshops supporting people to explore, understand and heal the often lifelong effects resulting from abuse. Survivors of abuse choose the themes explored in the workshops, which run for two months at a time.
Laura said that ideally “we’d love everybody to go to the police and name and shame [their abusers], but this service is about supporting people to live their life, be in a relationship, raise their kids, get a job – to achieve and fulfil the lives others take for granted.”
She said there was statistical evidence suggesting that the prevalence of sexual abuse is if anything higher in Shetland than elsewhere.
In the wake of the Jimmy Savile revelations and the care home abuse scandals, government funding to develop services such as SSCHAIR has been increased.
Laura, who is a victim herself, said that – while there has not been a substantial rise in convictions – a growing number of people are coming forward seeking help.
It is widely accepted that the nature of a small, tight-knit community often makes people more reluctant to come forward – especially if the abuser is seen to be a “pillar of the community”.
The best way to tackle that, she said, was to give people support to build their “self-worth, self-confidence and self-belief” and overcome the manipulation, control and power held over them by abusers.
The impact of being abused can vary substantially from one person to another, and often the trauma can cause people to block out their recollection of what has happened to them. Often something as innocuous as a smell or a touch can trigger unwanted memories.
Suzi pointed out that some people were reluctant to take their case to the police because of the legal requirement for corroboration in Scotland which means the conviction rate in cases of rape and abuse is “appallingly” low.
She said it was vital to bring the issue out into the open and dispel the myth of sex abusers being shady strangers when more than eight in 10 abusers are people the victim already knows.
The SSCHAIR service can support survivors of abuse over the age of 18, parents of survivors under the age of 18, families, friends and others relevant to their lives.
“We will be offering support to people when they need it, for as long as they need it,” Suzi added.
A fundraising event is taking place at the Sandwick Social Club from 2pm-5pm on Sunday 15 May, and the event is open to the general public. Anyone who wants to donate raffle prizes can do so by contacting SSCHAIR directly.
- Anyone can self-refer to SSCHAIR or be referred by another service, and its aim is to respond the same day. You can contact SSCHAIR by phoning 07747 097160. Survivors can email s_a_survivors@hotmail.com and professionals can email sas-business@hotmail.com.
- SSCHAIR is also encouraging people to fill out a Shetland-wide research survey relating to services for victims of sexual abuse.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
