We are a women-only group because we believe it is vital that women have safe and supportive spaces where they can come without fear of re-traumatisation to explore their experiences and begin to recover from the trauma of childhood sexual abuse.

Opening up about trauma is a deeply personal and vulnerable experience and clients tell us they feel more at ease in a female only space. Research shows that women-only services create a safe space, physically and emotionally and result in better outcomes for women.

As a women-only service, we want to emphasize that we welcome and support all women, including transgender women. We understand and affirm that gender identity is a deeply personal and authentic aspect of each individual’s experience. We strive to create a safe, inclusive, and non-discriminatory environment for all survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

We recognise that men care about women too and that many men and boys experience sexual violence. We can signpost men affected by sexual violence to specialist services in Leicester that cater specifically for their needs. First Step is an organisation run for male survivors of sexual abuse and rape and their supporters.