Hold Fast Programme
At SiT we believe that sexual violence and abuse are types of trauma, and recovery from trauma is best addressed as a process that is worked through over time and in stages and as such we work to a 3 phase response to trauma model
Written and piloted by Clare & Fi in 2016. This is SiT’s phase one intervention designed to provide stabilisation, safety and increased self esteem
Why ‘Hold Fast’? Fi says "When I was designing the programme I had a vision of an aeroplane in a holding pattern before landing, envisaging survivors would be held safely before addressing their trauma through therapy. In thinking of a suitable name for the programme I was reminded of an Afrikaans saying ‘hou vas’ which literally means hold on tight. I added fast as we’ve had a view that survivors of sexual violence respond best to short, targeted interventions rather than long term open ended interventions to address the effects of the abuse they have experienced. Some years later a survivor who had been a sailor told me that in a storm sailors would tell each other to “Hold Fast”, meaning to grab on to rigging or something solid and secure to prevent being swept overboard, he drew this image this just validated the meaning for me"
What do we mean by stabilisation?
Stabilisation involves understanding how to identify the symptoms of trauma and how to manage them; recognising that these symptoms make perfect sense as a response to trauma.
Symptoms may include low self-esteem, difficulties making sense of overwhelming emotions and behaviour, inability to trust, feelings of powerlessness, intrusive memories, feeling numb or disconnected, guilt and shame.
How does the Hold Fast programme help?
The Hold Fast programme addresses some of these symptoms and incorporates some skills and tools which help with stabilisation including the following:
Understanding emotions
Grounding techniques
Emotional regulation
Coping strategies
How to anticipate stressful or triggering events and manage these better
Improving your overall self esteem
I was so nervous to begin with but I loved working with and getting to know other survivors, it made me feel less alone.
The programme aims to empower survivors by focusing on their inner strength and resilience, reinforcing that it is possible to heal from the effects of childhood sexual abuse.
The Hold Fast programme can be undertaken either one to one with an experienced facilitator or ‘Hold Fast Together’ which provides an opportunity to complete the facilitated programme with other survivors of the same gender and experience the validation and normalisation this offers.
The programme is normally delivered for 1 to 1.5 hours per week for 6 weeks. Participants are encouraged to complete a workbook through the weeks which contains useful resources and helpful exercises.
Our Three-Phased Approach
We work to a 3 phase response to trauma, Dr. Pierre Janet conceived of the phased framework to trauma recovery in the late 1800’s and Dr. Judith Herman made it more readily known in her groundbreaking book, Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence (1992). This is the evidence based model we use to navigate survivors through trauma recovery, but understand that no on size fits all.
Before we can do start to deal with the trauma you experienced, we need to ensure you are safe, have a supportive network and understand the impact of your sexual violence. We will most likely offer you our Hold Fast programme either 1:1 or in a group with other survivors – depending on your preference.
Specialist trauma therapy (also known as Remembrance and Mourning). This will most often take the form of trauma informed therapy or counselling sessions or a recommended group therapy programme.
Focus on rebuilding and strengthening. This may take place through alternative therapies, other activities, peer support or through referrals to other organisations.
Survivor Resources & Research
Learning from other survivors journeys can be a powerful tool, and make you feel much less alone. Access specialist articles, survivor stories, and evidence-based research about childhood sexual violence recovery and support.
Articles and guides covering trauma responses, recovery stages, and practical support strategies for survivors of childhood sexual violence.
A curated collection of poems written by survivors of sexual abuse, sharing personal experiences of trauma, healing, and recovery. *Please note that whilst this content is moderated you may find some of it triggering so please take care*
Key findings from our research , revealing crucial insights into sexual violence and abuse, how survivors access support services, costs to the NHS and survivor experiences, and more
With your support, we can help more survivors access the support they need when they need it. Every donation directly funds our work to supporting those affected by sexual violence.
