We’re Here: a campaign for survivors of sexual assault in Bristol
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been proud to be part of something really special. The “We’re Here” campaign launched across Bristol to let survivors of sexual assault know: you're not alone, and there is support.
This campaign was made possible through funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset (PCC) and NHS England, and we were thrilled to work alongside some brilliant organisations – University of Bristol, UWE, The Bridge, and Safe Link, and Bristol City Council – to get the message out.
A message to survivors of sexual assault
If you’ve been out and about in Bristol lately, you might’ve spotted some of our bold campaign posters and lamppost wraps around the city. They were designed to be unmissable, and to remind survivors of sexual assault that support is available, and that you have choices.
It’s been amazing to see these messages out in public spaces. They’re a visible sign of the power of collaboration and that survivors are not alone.
Getting out and talking to students
One of our favourite parts of the campaign was getting to spend time on campus at University of Bristol. We had some great conversations with students about the support that’s available, consent and how you can support someone you care about.
Starting uni can be a big transition – exciting, but sometimes overwhelming, especially if you’re coping with trauma and are unfamiliar with local services. We’re so glad we had the chance to be there and let people know where they can go for help. The response was amazing, and it was brilliant to see how engaged and open students were to having conversations and finding out more.
Working together makes all the difference
This campaign really showed how powerful collaboration can be. By joining forces with The Bridge, Safe Link, Bristol Universities, Bristol City Council, the PCC and the NHS, we were able to reach more survivors of sexual assault with a clear, united message: you deserve trauma-informed care and support, no matter what happened or when it was. Whether someone chooses to report to the police or not, we’re here to listen and support you.
What’s next?
Although the campaign has launched, the work continues. At SARSAS, we’re here year-round, offering free, confidential, trauma-informed support to anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse. The conversations sparked by “We’re Here” are just the beginning. We will continue to break the silence around rape and sexual assault, ensure more people know where to find support and look forward, with hope, to a world without sexual violence.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by, shared a post, or had a conversation.
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What is a sexual assault referral centre (SARC)?
A SARC can offer free, confidential medical, practical and emotional support to people who have been raped, sexually abused or assaulted at any point in their lives. They’re usually provided by the NHS, but will always have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers.
