Survivor Focused Cervical Screening Workshop

Over the last year, we have been working with survivors and #veryimportantinvitation on our ‘Cervical Screening’ toolkit, made by survivors for survivors. We have created a toolkit for anyone with a cervix who has experienced any form of sexual violence. (‘Sexual violence’ is a term we use to describe any sexual activity that happens without consent. This includes rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse and sexual harassment to name just a few). Many people find being invited for and having a cervical screening (smear test) uncomfortable and distressing especially if they have experienced sexual violence. We want people to know that if they find this experience traumatic, they are not alone, and we are here to support them through the process.

We will be holding three survivor led workshops in August where they can find out more about the upcoming clinics, explore the toolkit and ask any questions they may have. We will then be holding trauma informed specialist clinics for survivors where SRC staff will be there to support them before (during, if they wish) and after their appointment. The clinics will be a safe space where we focus on grounding and other positive coping mechanisms to support them through their appointment. There is no obligation to go through with the appointment if they change their mind, they are in control through the whole process.