WMRSASC blog
Sexual Violence Practitioner or ISVA? Understanding the difference – and why specialist training matters
You don’t have to work in a specialist sexual violence service to benefit from specialist training. We explore the difference between SV Practitioner and ISVA qualifications, and who they can help.
Spiking Is Never Harmless: Why Victim Blaming Must Stop
As police warn of new methods of spiking, WMRSASC’s CEO examines the links between spiking and sexual violence, the fear of not being believed and why prevention must focus on perpetrators, not victims.
Sexual Harassment at Work: What Employers Need to Know About the Changes Coming on 30 October 2026
From 30 October 2026, employers will face strengthened legal responsibilities to prevent sexual harassment at work, including a legal obligation to protect employees from harassment by third parties, including customers and clients. Discover what these changes mean and how Purple Leaf’s specialist-informed training can support workplace prevention.
What is an Independent Legal Adviser (ILA) – and how will they help survivors?
A new national Independent Legal Advice service will give adult survivors of rape and sexual violence access to free, specialist legal advice. We explain what an ILA is, how the role differs from an ISVA and how the new service could help survivors navigate the criminal justice process.
New Offender Release Helpline: Information and Support
A new national Offender Release Helpline has launched to provide information, reassurance and support for people affected by changes to prison release arrangements.
Jen’s Road To London: 26.2 miles. One huge challenge. One very determined runner.
Meet Jen – weight loss coach, mum, panto bad fairy and our brilliant London Marathon runner. Find out why she’s taking on 26.2 miles for WMRSASC and follow her Road to London.
When mental health services cause further harm: why trauma-informed care matters
A new statement from the Royal College of Psychiatrists acknowledges the harm some survivors of non-recent child sexual abuse have experienced when seeking mental health support. We look at why trauma-informed care matters – and how Pathfinder is helping to put it into practice.
When Someone You Love Is Accused of Sexual Violence: What Would You Do?
What happens when someone you love or trust is accused of sexual violence? We explore the difficult conflict between loyalty and belief, and why our instinct can so often be to question the person making the allegation.
Surviving a violent attack by Lydia Johnson, as featured in BACP’s Therapy Today magazine, September 2026.
WMRSASC counsellor Lydia Johnson shares a moving reflection on supporting a survivor through trauma and recovery – and the trust, compassion and connection at the heart of specialist counselling.
Sexual Abuse of Older People: Why We Must Stop Looking Away
When we talk about sexual violence, older people are too often missing from the conversation. This blog explores why abuse in later life remains overlooked, the unique barriers older survivors face, and what families, professionals and communities can do to ensure every older person is treated with safety, dignity and respect.