One voice with one main message…We are stronger together

‘It is time to untangle the web’

‘This Tangled Web’ was established in February 2010 by one survivor of childhood sexual abuse. Kate Swift made it her mission to let other survivors know that they are not alone: more so that there is help, support and understanding available to them. This journey began with the opening of the website, followed quickly by the online support group… Reaching Survivors of Sexual Abuse (R.S.O.S.A). Kate Swift has gone on to have 3 books published… the first ‘This Tangled Web’, secondly ‘Silent No More’ (with RSOSA) and thirdly her life story ‘Nobody’s Rag Doll’. More information about these publications can be found on our website.

 Our website offers a wide selection of information, links and support on many topics which surround CSA. These include advice for partners, empowering children, domestic violence awareness, legal matters and much more. We offer advice and support to both male and female survivors, whilst being sensitive to any potential triggers this may cause on either side. In June 2011 ‘This Tangled Web’ became a constituted charity.

The R.S.O.S.A Group is situated on the social networking site ‘Facebook’ and went from strength to strength with in excess of 500 members in the first year. Following a trial period on a purpose built forum, we have moved R.S.O.S.A back to ‘Facebook’ by popular demand from our members. It is open to both survivors and active supporters of survivors such as like-minded organizations. The group is managed by a team of 6 people with varying life & or professional experience of the subject matter. In September 2011 R.S.O.S.A celebrated the launch of our first group book titled ‘Silent No More’. This is an amazing book with the work of 93 survivors included. A key part of our group is to help survivors to find their voice after enduring what are often years of silent torture.

We reach out to survivors across the globe…

Because a large part of our work is internet based we have been able to reach out to survivors across the world. We find that survivors no matter where in the world they are, struggle with common issues. Using the internet we can support each other and break down the isolation. This is where we have connected with people… many of whom are in the book ‘Silent No More’

~ England ~ Ireland ~ Scotland ~ Wales ~ Spain ~ Norway ~ The Holy Lands ~ America ~ Canada ~ Australia ~ South Africa ~

What else do we do?

‘This Tangled Web’ also exists to educate and raise public awareness of CSA… the signs, statistics, the personal impact and the need for society as a whole to be much more open and aware of abuse of this nature. The nature of our message when we speak publicly is tailor made around the audience. We visit different venues and audiences with our very important message. We use personal accounts of sexual abuse to share the devastating effects; we use statistics alongside open discussion to raise awareness of the multitude of this problem. We use handouts and a very open question & answer session to close. We aim to leave the audience with 2 key pieces of information: A greater awareness and understanding of the subject and hope for healing and restoration.

‘This Tangled Web’ can also facilitate creative writing workshops. We also host events for survivors to come together such as the Survivors Picnic. This is an annual event which invites all survivors of CSA to come together in a relaxing environment. This is a day to build on friendships, gain support, recognize we are not alone, relax and have an enjoyable day together. Survivors are welcome to bring family members and we have face painting and games for the children. We will continue to organize events specifically aimed at survivors of sexual abuse. We believe such events break down the isolation many feel as a direct result of the abuse. It also offers people a positive experience in a safe and non-threatening environment. Our goal is also to inspire healing and a greater sense of well being.