“Thanks to Survive I am now able to form healthy relationships and realise that I am stronger than my perpetrator”

University student Lydia* struggled with anxiety and low confidence after being raped by her then boyfriend. She was terrified, constantly on edge and struggled to sleep. She worried about what people thought about her and was afraid to form new relationships. She was also drinking heavily – trying to forget the past. After Survive counselling, Lydia was better able to manage her anxiety and, as her confidence grew, she took up new hobbies and made new friends. She no longer feels shame, has been able to build new, healthy relationships, and has successfully completed her degree.

*Names have been changed to protect the identity of the survivor. Images are for illustrative purposes only.