Focus on Survivors Project: Calling on Survivors of Sexual Abuse to Share Their Voices
A new survey led by Fiona Ellis, Founder and CEO of SiT (Survivors in Transition), is inviting survivors of childhood sexual abuse to share their experiences as part of the Focus on Survivors project.
The project is specifically focused on ensuring that the voices of survivors are heard, recognised and meaningfully reflected in future analysis, learning and service development. Capturing these perspectives is a key priority for Fiona and the SiT team, who have long been recognised as strong leaders within the sector and committed advocates for survivor-informed practice.
About the survey
The survey is open to survivors and has been designed to be accessible and confidential. Participants can choose to complete the survey either online or by post, depending on what feels most comfortable.
Online survey:
👉 www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/FocusOnSurvivors2025
Postal survey:
A paper copy of the Focus on Survivors 2025 survey can be returned using the freepost option. No stamp or additional details are required — respondents simply need to write:
FREEPOST Healthwatch Suffolk
The survey preamble and end page include clear instructions about the freepost process.
Extended deadline – final push for responses
Although the original return date appears on the survey materials, the deadline has now been extended until 31 January 2026. With only a short time left before the survey formally closes, Fiona and Lisa (who is supporting the project) are keen to make one final push to gather as many responses as possible.
Any surveys received within the next week or so will be happily included in the analysis, helping to strengthen the overall findings and ensure male survivors’ experiences are fully represented.
Why this matters
The experiences of both female and male survivors are vital to shaping meaningful research, consultation and service design. The Focus on Survivors project aims to reflect this breadth of lived experience, ensuring that future learning and action are grounded in the realities of those most affected.
At the same time, male survivors are often underrepresented in research and engagement opportunities. This project offers an important chance to help address that imbalance and ensure their perspectives are more fully heard and understood.
Fiona Ellis has been a respected and consistent leader in this field for many years, and her commitment to ensuring SiT does everything it can for survivors — including creating safe and inclusive opportunities for male survivors to share their voices — continues through this work.
Anyone who is able to complete the survey, or encourage others to take part, is warmly invited to do so, helping ensure that survivors’ voices are heard, valued and acted upon.
