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Young People

If you think you have experienced sexual violence, you can speak to us.

It doesn’t matter what it was that happened – even if you’re not sure that it was sexual violence. If something sexual or in your relationship has happened that: 

  • You didn’t want
  • You felt pushed in to
  • That you felt you had to say yes to or that you couldn’t say no

There is a chance this was sexual violence, and you deserve support. It doesn’t matter how long ago it was or who it was that hurt you. What happened wasn’t your fault. You don’t have to cope on your own.

We are here to help and we will listen to you and believe you. What you tell us is completely up to you. We will never judge you, or tell you what to do.

Sexual violence affects different people in all sorts of different ways. We know that you may have lots of questions.
You will find answers to many of the things people often ask here.

There are also resources below* and elsewhere on this website which can help you with some of the things you might be feeling.

If you’d like to speak to someone and get support, there are lots of ways to get in touch with us.

Healing from sexual violence can take time, but we are here for you, when you are ready.

Some resources you might want to read now:

What is online sexual violence?

Something has happened to my friend

 

 

 

In this section

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✨ Badge Design 1 ✨ Along with their design young people were asked what Reclaim the Night means to them and what inspired their design.
🎉 We’re excited to launch our Reclaim the Night Badge Design Competition Vote! 🎉 Young people aged 11–25 throughout East Ayrshire have designed badges inspired by freedom of movement, empowerment and inclusivity. Now it’s time for you to choose the winner! 🗳️ Over the next few days, we’ll be sharing each shortlisted design, vote for your favourite and help us decide which badge will be made and handed out at this year’s Reclaim the Night March! Link in bio to vote! 🔗 #ReclaimTheNight #16DaysofActivism #outhActivism #VoteNow #AnyBodyAnyTypeAnyTime
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
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