The Survivor Hub Evaluation

Description

This project will evaluate the impact of the Survivor Hub, which is a survivor-led, not-for-profit organisation operating in NSW and Victoria that creates safe and supportive spaces for survivors of sexual assault. The group hosts regular MeetUps (or support groups), both in-person and online for up to 10 victim-survivors to connect, support and guide each other based on their lived experiences. These Meetups are peer led and free of cost, open to all survivors aged over 16 years and inclusive of any gender, sexuality, religion, culture, ability, ethnicity or age. MeetUps are facilitated by survivors and supported by a specialist and qualified trauma counsellor to ensure the safety of all participants. Meetups provide an opportunity for survivors to connect with other survivors, ask questions, express concerns, vent, learn and know that they are not alone. Common discussion topics at MeetUps include relationships and intimacy after sexual assault, reactions of friends or family to disclosures, feelings about perpetrators, therapy options, the legal process, giving evidence at court, reporting to police and victim recognition payments. MeetUps do not constitute therapy nor legal advice and are peer led and run. Operating since November 2021, over 88 MeetUps and around 250 participants have attended.  

As a voluntary, non-funded group established and run by survivors, no formal evaluation of the impact of Meetups has taken place. Anecdotal and testimonial evidence indicates that survivors experience positive impacts and outcomes. Testimonies suggest that the Survivor Hub provides a place to be oneself without in depth explanation about 'what happened'. Being in the company of other survivors who understand the impacts of sexual violence such as isolation and shame are also reported to be positive impacts. This project will evaluate the Survivor Hub, by exploring the experiences by participants who attend Meetups.

SERC researcher

• Robyn Martin 

Project dates

Ongoing