Victims and survivors know first-hand what helped them, what made things harder and what could have been done differently. Their experiences can offer valuable insight into how others should be treated and supported. Their voices also have an important place in the wider conversations and decisions that affect victims and survivors.
But, wanting to make things better for others doesn't necessarily mean wanting anyone to know about your own experience of abuse. We believe people should be able to do one without having to do the other.
That's why we've created My Words Matter.
What is My Words Matter?
My Words Matter is a new online platform where victims and survivors of TACSA can anonymously share their experiences of how others responded after their abuse was discovered or disclosed, and contribute their views on current issues, to help shape change.
There are two ways to contribute:
Response experiences: Victims and survivors can tell us about how people, professionals and services responded after their abuse was discovered or disclosed. We want to understand what helped, what made things more difficult and what they wish had been different.
Shape the conversation: Victims and survivors can also share their views on topics currently in the news or being discussed more widely. We believe these conversations should include the voices of people with lived experience, giving them the opportunity to highlight what they think needs to be understood, considered or changed.
We won't ask for details of the abuse itself. Contributions are anonymous, and victims and survivors can choose only what they feel comfortable sharing.
Why have we created it?
Through our work with victims, survivors and families affected by TACSA, we see how much the responses that follow the discovery or disclosure of abuse can affect someone's recovery.
Being listened to, believed and given the right support can make an enormous difference. But, when someone is blamed, misunderstood, dismissed or let down by those they turn to for help, these responses can cause further harm.
We know there is a great deal to learn from these experiences, both from the times people received the support they needed and from the times they were failed.
We also recognise that public conversations about TACSA, including those taking place in the media, don't always reflect the experiences or views of those directly affected.
We want to help change that by creating opportunities for victims and survivors to have their voices heard, influence public understanding and help shape how others are treated and supported in the future.
Who is My Words Matter for?
My Words Matter is for victims and survivors of TACSA who want to use their experiences to help make things better for others.
Whether someone has a lot to say or just one thing they wish had been done differently, their words can help us understand what needs to change and how to improve responses and support for others.
Taking part is entirely their choice. They can share as much or as little as they feel comfortable with, without any pressure.
How will their words make a difference?
Every submission will be read carefully by the Marie Collins Foundation. By bringing together the experiences and views of many victims and survivors, including those whose voices might otherwise never be heard, we can build a clearer picture of what is working well, where people are being let down and what needs to change.
We will use this understanding to strengthen our work with the professionals, services and decision-makers responsible for protecting and supporting victims and survivors. From improving professional practice and challenging responses that cause further harm, to advocating for changes in policy and systems, we want the experiences of those directly affected to help guide that work.
We will also use the views shared on current topics to inform our engagement with the media, bringing the voices of victims and survivors into wider public discussions.
Our goal is to turn what we learn into meaningful action that helps create better responses, better support and better outcomes for victims and survivors of TACSA.
Explore My Words Matter
With thanks to our funder
My Words Matter has been made possible with the generous support of the Swiss Philanthropy Foundation.