Stronger Than Silence Foundation
Support for Families
When a child or loved one is affected by sexual violence, the whole family is affected. The fear, the grief, the anger, the helplessness — these are not weaknesses. They are the natural response of people who love someone deeply and do not know how to make the pain stop.
We are Jazmine's family. We know this from the inside. And we built this Foundation partly because we know how alone families can feel — and how much difference the right support makes.
You Are Not Alone
What Families Go Through
The impact on families is profound and often invisible. These are some of the challenges we hear about most — and that we are here to help with.
Isolation & Helplessness
Families often feel completely alone. There is no manual for supporting a child or loved one through sexual violence. The helplessness can be overwhelming — and it is rarely talked about.
Secondary Trauma
Parents, siblings and carers frequently experience their own trauma as a result of what happened to their loved one. This is real, valid and deserves support in its own right.
Navigating Systems
Police investigations, court processes, school communications, social services — families are expected to navigate complex systems at the worst possible time, often without guidance.
Financial Pressure
Taking time off work to support a child, funding private therapy, covering travel to appointments — the financial impact of supporting a survivor is rarely acknowledged.
Relationship Strain
Trauma puts enormous pressure on family relationships. Couples, siblings and extended family can all be affected in different ways, and those fractures can be hard to repair without support.
Not Knowing What to Say
Many family members are terrified of saying the wrong thing. The fear of making things worse can lead to silence — which survivors can misread as indifference.
How We Can Help
What the Foundation Offers Families
Family Support Grants
Our Family Support Grant (up to £750) can cover family therapy, activity days, travel to specialist services, childcare costs during recovery, and other practical needs that help the whole family unit heal together.
Direct Contact
Sometimes you just need to speak to someone who understands. Our team — who have lived experience of supporting a survivor — are here to listen and help you find the right path forward.
A Note for Parents & Carers
Things We Want You to Know
From one family to another.
You are not responsible for what happened. Nothing you did or did not do caused this.
Your feelings — anger, grief, guilt, fear — are all valid. You are allowed to struggle too.
Supporting your child does not mean having all the answers. Being present is enough.
You cannot pour from an empty cup. Looking after yourself is part of looking after them.
It is okay to ask for help. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Recovery is not linear. There will be hard days. That does not mean things are not getting better.
Further Support
Specialist Organisations for Families
These organisations offer specialist support specifically for families and loved ones of survivors.
Rape Crisis England & Wales
Support for survivors and their families, including a dedicated section for parents and carers.
0808 500 2222Visit website →NAPAC
National Association for People Abused in Childhood — support for adult survivors and their families.
0808 801 0331Visit website →Family Lives
Support for families under stress, including a helpline for parents struggling with any family issue.
0808 800 2222Visit website →Young Minds
Mental health support for young people and the parents and carers who support them.
0808 802 5544Visit website →We Are Here for Your Family
Whether you need financial support, someone to talk to, or just help finding the right services — reach out. You do not have to navigate this alone.