I came to Survive in a slightly roundabout way. While working at a music festival two years ago, I was asked to take care of a woman who had been sexually assaulted. ‘Asked’ is perhaps the wrong term-I was simply the only woman available. I was so horrified by the lack of understanding and support she encountered that I began to feel very strongly that I would like to do something practical to help women in a similar position. At the time I was volunteering with another helpline that was asked to put up recruitment posters for Survive, and everything slotted into place. I was initially concerned that working with women who had been assaulted in childhood would prove too difficult for me, especially as I had had such an experience as a teenager, but as I felt I had worked through my own issues, I decided to give it a go.

Our training was several full days and some evening sessions, and proved very intense. I quickly realised that if I could get through the training, I would probably be fine on the Helpline. I was right, although nothing can fully prepare you for the experience of answering the phone for the first time, which was truly terrifying until the training kicked in!

Working on the Helpline is a mixed experience: it can be very fulfilling and also very distressing, sometimes all in the same call! With the safety provided by anonymity, people tell us heartbreaking stories, but also sometimes call to chat or tell us more prosaic things, knowing that we have at least some understanding of their back ground. We deal with some very serious consequences of abuse: suicide attempts, self-harm, panic attacks; but also talk to women who are simply having a bad day and need to talk it through. We also talk to a lot of regular callers. It is very satisfying to hear someone making progress with her life, but it can be very hard to listen to someone who you have come to know go through difficult times.

I have found working for Survive a very positive experience, and feel passionately that we provide a vital service for women who have suffered some appalling experiences. While I would rather that there was no need for us to exist, until we reach that ideal situation, I’m pleased to be able to help.