The Survivor Pathway

What is the Survivor Pathway?

The Survivor Pathway is a secure, accessible online platform created for anyone in the West Mercia region (Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin) who wants to find support services after experiencing sexual violence or abuse.

The site brings together:

• A comprehensive map and directory of specialist services in the area

• Information on how to access those services

• Guidance on related matters, such as sexual health, safeguarding, child sexual exploitation, reporting to the police or going through the court process

Funded by the NHS and endorsed by the West Mercia Police & Crime Commissioner, the Survivor Pathway is a commitment to putting survivors first, making sure support is easier to find and better coordinated.

Why this matters for survivors

The journey after experiencing sexual violence or abuse can be overwhelming. It’s not always clear where to turn, which services cover your area, or what steps to take next. The Survivor Pathway helps by:

• Centralising access — instead of searching across multiple sites or directories, users can find local services in one place

• Reducing uncertainty — clear instructions, descriptions and pathways help people know what help is available and what to expect

• Supporting anyone, anytime — the platform is online and accessible at all hours, for survivors, their friends/family, and professionals

• Encouraging informed choices — by showing options and contact routes, people can choose the service that feels safest or most suitable

What kinds of support is included?

Within the Survivor Pathway, you’ll find:

• Counselling and therapy services specialising in sexual violence

• Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) and advocacy support

• Medical, forensic, and health services, including Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs)

• Legal, safeguarding, and reporting guidance

• Support for related issues (e.g. child protection, sexual health)

• Resources for friends, family, and professionals who want to help someone on this journey

Because no person’s path to healing is identical, the Survivor Pathway seeks to offer multiple routes and options depending on location, needs and readiness.

How WMRSASC links with the Survivor Pathway

As a local specialist support centre for rape and sexual abuse, WMRSASC is part of the ecosystem of services the Survivor Pathway maps. We:

• Appear in the directory so survivors can find and reach us through the platform

• Will collaborate to keep contact details, service descriptions, and referral routes up to date

• Encourage survivors and professionals in our networks to use the site as a first port of call

Additionally, by promoting the Survivor Pathway, we hope to reduce confusion, delay, or added stress in the earliest moments when someone seeks help.

How to use it (and how you can help others use it)

1. Visit the website: westmerciasurvivorpathway.org
2. Enter your location (or area) to see which services are local to you
3. Browse service types (e.g. counselling, ISVA, medical support)
4. Contact directly via listed phone, email or web links
5. Share the site with others who might benefit — survivors, support networks, professionals

You can help by:

• Sharing the link in your personal and professional networks

• Encouraging survivors or clients to use it as a first stop

• Providing feedback on the site to ensure it remains accurate, accessible, and responsive to users’ needs

If you or someone you know is looking for support, or wants to explore the best route forward, we encourage you to visit the Survivor Pathway — and know that WMRSASC is here and ready to walk alongside you.

You are not alone.