Women's Centre Cornwall issue 'urgent' appeal to continue vital work
The Women's Centre Cornwall's Young Empowered Women’s Project has been described as a lifeline
A charity supporting women who've experienced sexual and domestic abuse - is appealing for funds - to continue a vital project to support young people in Cornwall.
This comes as latest figures show 12% of women have experienced child sexual abuse before the age of 16 - and Ofsted reports that 90% of girls encounter sexual harassment in schools.
The Women's Centre Cornwall have launched a fundraising appeal - to raise money for their 'lifechanging' Young Empowered Women’s Project.
The consequences of sexual abuse can often lead to low self-esteem, panic attacks, flashbacks, behavioural issues, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts or attempts - and for many young women in Cornwall, these struggles are exacerbated by poverty, deprivation, and rural isolation.
The Young Empowered Women’s Project offers life-changing, specialist support to survivors of sexual abuse in Cornwall. By creating a safe, compassionate environment led by skilled professionals, the project helps young women process trauma and rebuild their lives. Through group sessions, participants explore how abuse has impacted their lives and are guided toward healing and self-empowerment.
One young participant shared, “I can’t put into words the sense of community I feel in the group. Every person here is a complex person going through their own types of pain and healing. It makes me feel accepting of myself to think the shame I feel, my darkest secret is communal.”
Another young woman, who now serves as a peer supporter, reflected on her journey: “I have a different view of justice after being part of the YEW group. Before, I just used to see justice as people going to prison. Now, I’ve learnt how to make my own justice. Having a happy, successful life is me having justice in my own way. Engaging in activism is my form of justice. It's lit a fire in me. It has empowered me.”
If you are a young woman aged 11-18 living in mid or east Cornwall, you can self-refer to the project via the Women’s Centre Cornwall website.
There's also plenty of help and advice on the NHS website.