A pair of friends who were sexually abused as children have reminded victims that there is support available.
Gina Despard and Shelley Knowles, sufferers of two unrelated cases of child sex abuse (CSA), set up ‘Release into Victory’ - a group releasing survivors of childhood abuse into a ‘Life of Victory’.
Gina, 48, from Preston, and Shelley, 49, from Southport, are offering advice based on some of the work of Lamplighters, an international movement for CSA recovery.
The pair, who have experience working with children’s charities and in domestic violence support, said they were looking to set up a Community Interest Company (CIC), a form of non-profit making social enterprise, which would mean they could apply for funding.
In the meantime they are offering a befriending service and would like people to get in touch to offer one-to-one support online.
She said: “They can just come and talk to us or we can signpost them to professional services. It will be in the strictest confidence.”
Long-term they aim to achieve charity status for the group.
You can contact Gina and Shelley via email at releasein2victory@btinternet.com or on Facebook at their page releaseinto victory.
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