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FOREWORD
by Shona Robison, Minister for Public Health, on behalf of Scottish Ministers
Yes You Can! has been developed for people working with, or likely to be working with, survivors of childhood sexual abuse. People present to frontline services with a range of issues which may relate to childhood sexual abuse and this booklet has a particular focus on the impact that childhood sexual abuse can have on mental health and wellbeing. Not all survivors need, or wish, medical intervention, and many seek counselling and support services. This booklet aims to support people working in a wide range of services to gain a better understanding of the needs of people who have experienced childhood sexual abuse, how best to raise this sensitive issue, and how to respond in an appropriate and supportive way.
There has for many years been a widespread misunderstanding of the needs of survivors of childhood sexual abuse and sometimes a reluctance to raise the issue because of societal fears and because of the stigma which can be associated with this sensitive subject.
It is essential, though, that service providers, practitioners and professionals feel confident, informed and able to support people. This resource aims to make a significant contribution to that.
We would all like to think that childhood sexual abuse doesn't happen but if people across Scotland are aware of the reality then it is more likely that good support and understanding will be available to survivors. Childhood sexual abuse has a significant impact on individuals, families and communities. Evidence indicates that people who have experienced childhood sexual abuse are at greater risk of social, physical, emotional and mental health problems in adult life; for example, such individuals are more at risk of self-harm and suicide than the general population. This makes it all the more important that, when they need to access social, healthcare and other services, they can do so without fear or trepidation and in the knowledge that they will be given strong and appropriate support.
This booklet has been strengthened and endorsed in a review carried out by the Scottish Government with advice and input from a stakeholder review group that included the voluntary sector, social work services, survivors' representatives, psychiatrists and psychologists. It reflects the Scottish Government's policies on improving mental health and wellbeing, improving services, improving the quality of life for people who experience mental illness, supporting and promoting recovery, eliminating stigma, promoting social inclusion, and saving lives by helping to prevent suicide. Its cross-cutting nature makes it relevant to health, education, criminal justice and communities, and to the voluntary, statutory and private sectors.
In 2005, the then Scottish Executive launched the National Strategy for Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse to help improve services for survivors, to ensure greater priority and joined-up working in national and local mainstream services and to improve the lives of all who have suffered childhood trauma. Following this, a National Reference Group, which includes survivors and representatives of a wide range of voluntary and statutory services, was set up to take the strategy forward, a major conference was held in 2007 and the Survivor Scotland website has been launched. Part of the strategy is about addressing the need for better training and good practice guidelines. This booklet is an important part of the process.
I hope you will find Yes You Can! useful.
SHONA ROBISON
Minister for Public Health
2008
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