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Self-Harm after an experience of sexual violence

Posted on October 30 2025 at 14:49

*Trigger Warning – This post discusses differing forms of self-harm and how this can impact survivors of sexual violence. If you are struggling or feeling vulnerable, please be mindful of your own self-care while reading this post and take time away from the material if you need to.

Tags: tips self harm understanding sexual violence
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Witch, please, my outfit isn’t an invitation. 🧙👻

Everyone should be able to wear whatever costume they want, without fear of being judged, harassed, or sl*t-shamed.

But every year, people get criticised for showing confidence, creativity, and skin. That kind of sl*t-shaming doesn’t just ruin the fun, it fuels a bigger problem: victim-blaming and the normalisation of sexual violence.

When we suggest someone “asked for it” because of what they wore, we excuse harmful behaviour and shift responsibility away from the person who chose to perpetuate violence.
That’s how a culture of sexual violence stays alive.

No costume invites harassment.
No outfit is consent.
Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected, on Halloween, and every other day of the year. 🌙 💜

#WitchPlease #MyCostumeIsNotConsent #EndVictimBlaming #Sl*tShamingIsScary #ConsentCulture #FeministHalloween #RapeCrisisScotland #everyonedeservessafety

❌ It’s okay to say no.
To plans. To pressure. To things that make you uncomfortable.

Your boundaries are valid.
Your “no” doesn’t need an explanation.
You are allowed to protect your peace, your body, and your time.

We’re here if you need support. Always. 💜

#ItsOkayToSayNo #BoundariesAreValid #RapeCrisisSupport #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

🫨 Panic attacks can be really scary.
Your heart races, your chest tightens, and it can feel like everything is spinning out of control.

If you're in the middle of one, here are a few things that might help:
🌿 Try slow, deep breathing using the 4-7-8 technique:
• Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds
• Hold your breath gently for 7 seconds
• Breathe out slowly through your mouth for 8 seconds
🌿 Try the 5-5-5 grounding technique:
• Name 5 things you can see
• Name 5 things you can hear
• Move 5 parts of your body
🌿 Remind yourself: This will pass. I’m going to be okay.

If panic attacks happen regularly, consider reaching out to your GP for support.

You can also come to us — The STAR Centre is here to listen, believe, and support you. 💜

#PanicAttackSupport #GroundingTools #RapeCrisisSupport #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

🍄 You are…Loved. Strong. Pretty. Brave. Enough. 🍄
You don’t have to feel these things every day for them to be true.
They live in you, even on the hard days.
If you need a reminder, let this little mushroom hold it for you.
You are all of these things. And more. 💜
#Affirmations #YouAreEnough #RapeCrisisSupport #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

🎨 Calling young creatives aged 11–25!
We’re partnering with East Ayrshire's Violence Against Women Partnership for a badge design competition ahead of this year’s Reclaim the Night March on the 25th of November!

💜 Theme: Resilience, solidarity, and standing against gender-based violence.
📏 Size: 38mm circle
🎨 Materials: Use paint, pens, pencils or go digital with Canva or Procreate!

🏆 Winner gets a £50 voucher!
🧷 200 badges will be handed out at the march
📚 Sample badges archived at Glasgow Women’s Library!

🗓️ Deadline: 1 Nov
🔗 Link in bio to submit your design or learn more!

Let your creativity be part of the movement. ✊
#ReclaimTheNight #EndGengerBasedViolence #DesignForChane #ArtWithImpact #YouthActivism #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

We’d really love to hear from you 💜
If you’ve worked with us, referred someone to us, or received support yourself, we’d love to know what difference it made.
Your feedback helps us stay accountable, responsive, and focused on survivors needs.
📝 You can fill in the short survey through the link in our bio.
#ShapingSupport #ServiceFeedback #TraumaInformedCare #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

🌿 Self-Care Jar 🌿
When everything feels overwhelming, it can be hard to know where to start. A self-care jar is a gentle reminder that support can come in small, meaningful ways.

Fill it with ideas that comfort and ground you. Then, when you’re feeling drained, pull one out and take a moment just for you.

You deserve care, rest, and moments of peace. Always. 💜
#SelfCare #RapeCrisisSupport #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

Coping after sexual violence isn’t easy, but support is here. 💜
Download free info booklets from Rape Crisis Scotland on our website.
Find tools and guidance to help you through each step. Link in bio. 🔗
#CopingAfterSexualViolence #RapeCrisisScotland #SupportSurvivors #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

💡It’s okay to feel, every emotion is valid and part of your healing journey. Embrace what’s inside you with kindness and patience. You are seen, heard, & supported. 💜 #ItsOkayToFeel #EmotionalHealing #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

The documentary

Last Friday we hosted our final summer walking group (for now!) at Ayr Beach 🌊🐚 thank you to all the survivors that took part, we hope you found them beneficial ❤️

Getting out into nature can be grounding for some, but going outside can be difficult for others. However you feel, the STAR centre can help you navigate your experience of sexual violence and pathway to healing

Absolutely MASSIVE thank you to those at Ayrshire Tree Surgeons who took part in the Edinburgh @kiltwalk last weekend, raising an astounding £1,270 for our centre. This money will be used to continue our fight to end sexual violence and support survivors in Ayrshire

#JustGiving #Fundraiser #CommunityHeroes #Ayrshire #SupportSurvivors

We’d really love to hear from you 💜
If you’ve worked with us, referred someone to us, or received support yourself, we’d love to know what difference it made.
Your feedback helps us stay accountable, responsive, and focused on survivors needs.
📝 You can fill in the short survey through the link in our bio.
#ShapingSupport #ServiceFeedback #TraumaInformedCare #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime

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 💗