Support for female sexual abuse victims

The idea of facing the outside world after falling victim to a sexual offence is a very daunting task.

Victims often feel alone, become withdrawn, and then isolate themselves from contact with others.

But they are not alone, and there is a support group for men and women, who meet once a month at the Linden police station to share their stories and help each other heal.

Headed by Martin Pelders, who started MatrixMen – a support group for male victims of rape based in Boskruin – the group has now also opened its doors to female victims with the help of trauma counsellor Ann Biccard.

“These support groups teach people who have suffered through such abuse that they can open up,” encourages Ann Biccard. “That they can cope, and that they can heal in order to live their lives to the full.”

Meetings for the women’s support group will be held on the second Tuesday of every month at the Linden police station trauma room.

Details: Ann Biccard 061 027 1490 or Martin Pelders 078 457 4911.