Pictured: Barbara Green, Director of the Survivors’ Network, shows Caroline details of their training and consultancy work

The Survivors’ Network is an invaluable resource in Brighton and Hove.

Recently the organisation has moved to new premises and this morning I went to look around and meet with staff and volunteers.

The Network aims to increase the emotional and physical resilience of individuals who have experienced sexual abuse or rape at any point in their lives.

They also provide support and information for partners, friends and families of those affected by sexual abuse and sexual violence; and they train and educate professionals and the wider community about the prevalence of sexual violence and its long term effects on survivors.

Importantly, these services are designed to break the isolation and confusion that is characteristic of sexual abuse.

They can be accessed through a helpline (with text message, email and telephone support) between 7 - 9pm on Wednesday and Friday evenings; a drop-in service; 1-1 counselling; practical advocacy and information and signposting.

It’s crucial that services like these are supported, especially through difficult economic times when increased pressures on households can contribute to an increase in domestic and sexual violence.

I’m always impressed by Survivors’ staff and volunteers’ particular combination of professionalism and compassion and look forward to working with them to ensure that women and girls in particular have continued access to these vital services.

The Survivors’ Network website is at http://www.survivorsnetwork.org.uk/47/Home.aspx and their training brochure can be found at http://www.survivorsnetwork.org.uk/47/Training.aspx.