Child abuse survivor: Counselling saved my life

A survivor of severe childhood sexual abuse has emphasized the critical role of specialist counseling in her recovery, stating her mental health would not have improved otherwise. The woman, identified as Susannah, recounted abuse that began in early childhood and continued, leading to a severe mental health crisis in her teens.

After moving to Devon, Susannah sought help from Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services, but faced a challenging two-year waiting period for counseling. Despite the delay, the specialist support proved transformative, allowing her to place blame on her abusers.

This situation highlights a broader issue, as police-recorded sexual offenses in England and Wales have increased by 11% year-on-year to 209,079 in the year to March 2025. In 2025, Devon Rape Crisis had to close its counseling waiting list due to a three-year backlog.

Joss Leicester, head of service delivery at the charity, explained that funding constraints limited their ability to meet demand, and extended waiting times correlate with increased suicidal ideation. The charity has since reopened its list through a new service, largely funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez noted that sexual offenses in Devon and Cornwall have more than tripled since 2010.

A government spokesperson stated that violence against women and girls is being treated as an epidemic, with a significant crackdown launched. The government is investing £550 million over three years in victim and witness services, including an initial £6 million for specialist legal advice for rape victims.