Praise for County Durham Centre helping sexual assault victims
County Durham ‘Keystone Project’ helps support parents of children who have experienced sexual abuse.
A County Durham centre that supports parents of children who have experienced sexual abuse say there’s no support like this in our region.
The RSACC ‘Keystone Project’ provides a safe space for victims and aims to improve their lives.
A sexual assault victim who attended the programme said: “I learnt to understand that it wasn’t my fault.
“There are reasons people are like that and do what they do. They helped healing and understand the full situation, and how to further support my daughter going forward”.
She was offered a place on the project after her daughter was also sexually assaulted by her ex-partner.
She said: “I feel so much stronger now. I’m able to sort of deal with what we’ve been through and just move forward with our lives.”
After a successful pilot, the ‘Keystone Project’ are hoping to offer more support to victims.
Suzanne Hewlett, a counsellor who supports the project said: “We want to reach as many people as possible who would like to access our services.
“We would like this to end up being something that is given to parents across the country, not just in the North East”
RSACC offers free and confidential emotional support through telephone and email. They are available to anyone who has experienced sexual violence or abuse, their family and friends.
Their number is 0300 222 5730 and dates and times are on the website: RSACC-thecentre.org.uk.