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Shame

Posted on August 27 2025 at 10:44

Read Time: 2-4 Minutes

Although shame and guilt often overlap, they are not the same. Shame is more about how we view ourselves deep down, while guilt is about believing we have done something wrong. Both can weigh heavily, even though neither belongs to survivors of sexual violence.

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Feminism helps everyone. 💜
It’s a common misconception that feminism is only for women. In truth, feminism works to dismantle harmful gender norms that affect us all.
It challenges violence, inequality, and rigid expectations, making space for men to express emotion, seek support, and reject pressure to

Head over to our website to read our most recent blog post on shame 💗

#shame #ShameMustChangeSides #Survivors #BelieveSurvivors #SupportSurvivors

I am kind. 💖 I am strong. 💪 I am enough. 🌿 I am special. ✨ I am confident. 🌟 I am courageous. 🦋
These words are more than just affirmations, they’re truths, even on the days they’re hard to believe. Whether you whisper them, shout them, or simply hold them in your heart, let them remind you of your worth. Always. 💜
#AffirmationsForSurvivors #SupportSurvivors #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

📢 IMPORTANT SAFETY REMINDER 📢

The UK government is testing the Emergency Alerts system TODAY at 3PM (Sunday 7 Sept 2025).
If you have a secret phone for your safety, please turn it off BEFORE 3PM to avoid it making a loud noise.

Your safety matters. 💜

Please share to help keep others safe.

#EmergencyAlert #SafetyReminder #StaySafe #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

Huge thanks to Annandale Roofing for generously repairing our roof free of charge! As a small charity, this act of kindness means the world, it helps ensure survivors of sexual violence can continue to receive support in a welcoming space 🏠 💜
#AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime #Grateful #CharitableDonation #LeakyRoof #Fixed

It’s okay to have a bad day. 🌧️
You don’t have to hold yourself to the impossible standard of feeling okay every day. Healing, grief, and coping all come with ups and downs, and none of it means you’re failing. However you're feeling today, you're not alone. We're here, on the good days and the hard ones.🌥️
#ItsOkayToNotBeOkay #SupportSurvivors #OneDayAtATime #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

So excited to announce that we are now on @JustGiving ! Here you can make donations directly to The STAR Centre, and set up your own fundraisers.

Every donation we receive is used to support survivors of sexual violence in Ayrshire. Donate via the link in our bio 💗

Resources like fidget toys, sensory tools, essential oils, and sweets are often used within sessions to help survivors use grounding strategies in moments of distress, as they can help to ease feelings of fear, stress, and anxiety. One of these being our fidget rings!

We call some of these resources grounding objects because they are also a helpful reminder that you are safe within the present moment, which also makes them useful if you are struggling with triggers. We always acknowledge that accessing support can be triggering, and we want everyone to feel safe in the support space.

We encourage survivors to look after themselves during and after their time with us, so we also provide things like face masks, candles, bath bombs and shower steamers, tea and hot chocolate and journals for some self-care – and if your form of self-care involves listening to music, going for a run, walking the dog, or watching your favourite Netflix show, that’s okay too! Self-care looks different for everyone, do what works best for you.

Whether you’d benefit from a fidget toy, a cup of tea, a face mask, or just want a space to talk, we will always work with you at The Star Centre to ensure you feel supported in a way that is comfortable for you, from your first session to your last.

#FidgetRing #Grounding #Wearables #Focus

📢 Important Alert – Please Read & Share 📢

The UK Government will be running a National Emergency Alert test on Sunday 7th September 2025 at 3PM. This alert will cause phones to make a loud siren-like sound, vibrate, and display a message, even if they are on silent.

If you have a secret or hidden phone for your safety, please make sure it is turned off before 3PM to prevent it from revealing your location.

Your safety is what matters most. 💜
Please share this to help keep survivors safe.

#EmergencyAlert #SurvivorSafety #SafetyFirst #SurvivorsofSexualViolence #SurvivorsOfGenderBasedViolence #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re weak, it means you’re human. 💜
It takes incredible bravery to reach out, and that strength deserves to be seen and supported. If you’re not ready yet, that’s okay too. You deserve care at your own pace, in your own time. We're here whenever you're ready.
#BraveryInAsking #SupportSurvivors #RapeCrisisSupport #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

At the STAR Centre: Rape Crisis Ayrshire, we stand with every survivor of sexual violence — no matter when it happened, what form it took, or who you are. We’re here for you, your friends, and your family, with support that is respectful, non-judgmental, and trauma-informed. You are not alone.💜 #EveryoneIsWelcome #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

Heading to Glasgow Comic Con? Remember: Cosplay is not consent. Respect boundaries, keep your hands to yourself, and always ask before taking a photo. 🎭✨ #CosplayIsNotConsent #RespectBoundaries #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime @GlasgowComicCon

Everyone has moments of doubt. If you're feeling overwhelmed, try to take a quiet moment and repeat an affirmation.

Remember: you are not alone, and The STAR Centre are always here for you. 💜

#Empowerment #AffirmationsForSurvivors #YouAreNotAlone #TraumaInformedSupport #RapeCrisisSupport #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

✨Exploring Feminism ✨
Feminism is more than a movement,it’s a commitment to justice, equality, and systemic change.

The STAR Centre are proudly a feminist organisation. Feminism guides everything we do: from how we support survivors, to the services we provide, and the activism we engage in.✊

In this series, we’re unpacking core feminist principles: equality, empowerment, intersectionality, and activism. Because true change comes from understanding and action, together 💜

#ExploringFeminism #FeministValues #FeministOrganisation #Equailty #Empowerment #Intersectionality #Activism #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

🌟 We're Hiring! 🌟
The STAR Centre: Rape Crisis Ayrshire is seeking a passionate and motivated Sexual Violence Prevention Worker to join our feminist, women-led organisation.

📍 Based in Ayrshire
💼 Hours: 910 annually (annualised contract)
💰 Salary: £27,295 pro rata
🌴 Annual Leave: 140 hours (inclusive of public & bank holidays)

You'll deliver the Rape Crisis Scotland Prevention Programme to young people across Ayrshire, helping to challenge inequality and prevent gender-based violence at its roots.

✨ If you're committed to feminist values and making real change, we want to hear from you!

📅 Deadline: 12 noon, 22nd August
📥 You can download full details and the application pack from our website or request an application pack: admin@starcentreayrshire.org

🗓️ Interviews: Week commencing 1st September
📅 Funded until March 2026 (with continuation funding being sought)

Please note: Women only need apply under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

#JobAlert #AyrshireJobs #FeministJobs #ViolencePrevention #WomenLed #NowHiring #JoinOurTeam #EndGBV #RapeCrisisScotlandJobs #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

Stop saying sorry 💜
You don’t need to apologise for taking up space, setting boundaries, feeling deeply, or protecting your time.

You are allowed to rest.
You are allowed to feel.
You are allowed to put yourself first.

At The STAR Centre, we’re here to remind you: you never have to shrink yourself to be worthy of care. 💐

#NoMoreApologies #BoundariesAreHealthy #SurvivorSupport #AnybodyAnyTypeAnyTime

✨ Daily Self-Care Habits ✨
Self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.
Small daily habits can create space for healing, comfort, and strength. Whether it’s taking a walk, drinking water, journaling, or simply breathing with intention, your care matters.

There’s no “right” way to show up for yourself. Go gently.
You are not alone.💜

#DailySelfCare #SelfCareHabits #MentalHealthMatters #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

Today is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
Sex trafficking is a brutal form of gender-based violence, and it’s happening in our communities. Victims are often trapped through coercion, manipulation, and fear. Many are survivors of rape and violence.

At The STAR Centre, we support survivors of sex trafficking with trauma-informed care, advocacy, and a safe space to begin healing. No one should ever be exploited for someone else's gain.💜

#WorldDayAgainstTraffickingInPersons #EndSexTrafficking #RapeCrisisSupport #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

For some survivors of sexual violence, sex can trigger flashbacks.

A flashback is when you re-experience a frightening or painful event from the past. It tends not to be like an ordinary memory, but more a sudden and unexpected intrusion. Flashbacks can present differently from person to person, but can be very distressing.

A flashback is part of your body's way of processing or reaching some understanding about what happened. It is not something you choose to do, and is not necessarily a reflection on the person you're with.

If you can speak to your partner about your experience of sexual violence, it may allow you to explain your flashbacks and agree in advance what you want to do if this happens. If you are struggling with flashbacks during sex, it is okay to take time out from the sexual side of your relationship. Your partner should respect your choice and support you .

If you are not able to, or don’t want to disclose your experience with your partner, you may find it helpful to establish boundaries within your intimate relationship and highlight what you are and are not comfortable with. Your partner may ask questions about this but remember, you do not have to disclose your experience if you are not comfortable doing so.

#Relationships #SupportSurvivors #SexualViolenceAwareness #Love #Trauma #Intimacy #Sexual Violence

💜 💜 💜

#Quotes #Reminder #SelfLove #SelfAcceptance