“You are not alone” - how Maria supports survivors at Serenity
If you've experienced sexual violence, reaching out for help can feel scary . You might be worried about being judged, not believed, or pressured into decisions you're not ready to make. At Serenity, we want you to know you are in control, and you are not alone.
One of the people here to support you is Maria Hutchinson, an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA ) and C risis W orker. Maria's role is to walk alongside you , at your pace , offering emotional support, practical guidance, and reassurance every step of the way.
When you contact Serenity, Maria can help in ways that feel right for you. She can listen without judgment, explain your options whether you want to report to the police or not, and help you feel informed and empowered. If you're worried about your safety, Maria can work with you to create a plan that feels secure. She can also provide practical help, such as attending court with you or liaising with agencies, and offer emotional support when you simply need someone to check in and remind you that you're not alone. As Maria says:
"We meet people where they are , face-to-face, online, or over the phone. There's no pressure. It's about giving you choices and control"
Feeling nervous about reaching out is completely normal. Many people worry about what will happen after they make contact. Maria's advice is simple:
"Just give it a try in whatever way feels comfortable , online, by phone, or in person. There's no pressure to engage more than you want to"
You decide what support looks like. You can take things one step at a time.
Sexual violence is often surrounded by silence. Survivors may carry feelings of shame or guilt, but none of this is your fault. Maria and the Serenity team are here to break down those barriers and remind you:
"We believe you. We want you to know you don't have to keep silent anymore"
Maria's work isn't just about immediate help ; it's about walking alongside people for as long as they need. Some clients stay in touch for months or even years, and during that time, Maria sees incredible transformations:
"I've worked with people who had to leave work because of trauma. Seeing them regain confidence, go to job interviews, and feel empowered again is amazing"
Every journey is different, and Maria's role is to make sure you feel supported throughout yours.
Why awareness matters
Maria wants people to know that Serenity is here for anyone who needs help.
"We will talk about it; we will get it out from under that carpet. We will believe people and make sure they know they don't have to keep silent anymore"
If you or someone you know needs support after sexual assault, Serenity SARC is here for you. Call us on 03000 270040 or visit www.nhft.nhs.uk/serenity/