About us
Offering practical and emotional support for anyone affected by sexual violence, Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (GRASAC) work to empower people to find their own way of living: To thrive – not to just survive.
Whilst GRASAC supports all survivors of rape and sexual violence, we recognise that sexual violence is gender-based abuse, suffered in the main by women and girls, we therefore offer a women-only space in our Gloucester centre.
“I am not what happened to me,
I am who I choose to become.”
Our aims:
To relieve the distress of anyone within the Gloucestershire area who has experienced any form of sexual violence.
To educate the public about the nature
of sexual violence and its repercussions.
Anti-Racism Policy
GRASAC is working towards demonstrating its commitment to anti-racism by explicitly becoming an anti-racist employer, charitable organisation and service provider. We believe in a fully inclusive service, with anti-racist practices throughout our organisation. We know that Black and minoritised women continue to be disadvantaged and harmed by traditional white supremacist beliefs. We are committed to developing throughout 2024, and beyond, an organisation that believes and demonstrates an intersectional approach for all women and girls, through our policies, procedures, and training of all staff and volunteers.
How GRASAC started…
Founded in 1984, by a group of women volunteers determined to support fellow women and girls in Gloucestershire who had experienced rape, sexual assault or sexual abuse. In 2014 Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre became a registered charity.
In 2024 we celebrate 40 years of empowering and supporting women and girls who have experienced rape and sexual abuse – at any time in their lives.
We continue to benefit from and depend on the support of our volunteers. As the only service dedicated to the aid and support of sexual violence survivors in the Gloucestershire area, of all genders, GRASAC has grown considerably in response to the growing need, for women and girls in particular.
Come back soon to see how our journey has evolved, and how we got to where we are today!
GRASAC on Instagram
📢 A reminder about our FREE training for professionals: how to handle disclosures of sexual violence.
📅The next sessions are being held on:
➡️Friday 7th June 10am-1pm
➡️Thursday 4th July 1pm-4pm
❗If you can't make these dates please keep an eye out on our socials❗
This brings together expertise from Hope House SARC (sexual assault referral centre), us here at GRASAC and research from University of Gloucestershire.
The training covers how best to support survivors, what you can do, what survivors say isn't helpful and how to look after yourself.
🔗 If you would like to book onto this training please follow the link in bio!
📲 The OPCC (Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner) have asked us to share their survey which seeks to gain an understanding of specialist sexual violence services from those with lived experience in Gloucestershire. The findings from this will be used to inform and enhance current specialist sexual violence provision.
The survey contains some questions that may be triggering so please take care when answering.
This survey will close on Tuesday 21st May at 12pm.
To access the survey please follow the link in bio 🔗
🌟We're sending a heartfelt thank you to Hannah! 🌟
Hannah is gearing up to shave her head in support of GRASAC and survivors of sexual violence - THIS FRIDAY.
Hannah, your bravery and dedication are truly inspiring. Your selfless act will make a significant difference in the lives of those we support.
From all of us at GRASAC, thank you for standing with us.
Together, we can create a safer and more supportive world. 💜
To read more about Hannah's fundraising efforts, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/grasac-shaving-for-survivors
#ThankYouHannah #SupportSurvivors #GRASAC