Lesson one: Building Survivor Centered Support Systems

Hello everyone and welcome back to our course, “Understanding Sexual Grooming and Cross-Generational Sexual Relationships.” We have explored the dynamics of grooming, media influence, advocacy strategies, and digital storytelling. Now, we turn our attention to co-creation and collaboration which poses a critical step in ensuring long-term, sustainable impact in our efforts to combat sexual grooming and exploitation.

Before we go deep, let us define who a survivor is. A survivor refers to an individual who has experienced sexual grooming, exploitation, or abuse and has taken steps toward healing and reclaiming their agency. Unlike the term victim, which focuses on the harm endured, survivor emphasizes resilience, recovery, and the capacity to move forward despite trauma. Survivors can be of any gender, age, or background, and their needs vary based on their personal experiences, cultural contexts, and support systems.

Building a survivor-centered approach prioritizes the dignity, safety, and well-being of those who have experienced sexual grooming or abuse. This lesson will examine how communities, organizations, and advocacy groups can develop sustainable support networks that empower survivors and foster long-term healing.

Support systems play a crucial role in the recovery process, offering survivors a safe space where they can heal, share experiences, and regain control over their lives. These systems should be built on the principles of confidentiality, empowerment, and accessibility. A well-structured support network provides survivors with emotional, psychological, legal, and financial assistance while ensuring they remain at the center of decision-making. The key Components of a Survivor Support Network include but not limited to:

Safe Spaces: Physical or virtual environments where survivors can speak freely without fear of judgment or retaliation.

Peer Support Groups: Platforms where survivors can connect, share their stories, and receive encouragement from those with similar experiences.

Mental Health and Counseling Services: Trained professionals who offer trauma-informed care, helping survivors navigate the emotional impact of grooming and abuse.

Legal and Advocacy Assistance: Access to legal resources, case support, and guidance on seeking justice and protection.

Economic Empowerment Programs: Job training, scholarships, and skills development initiatives to help survivors rebuild their lives independently.

Public Awareness and Education Initiatives: Community-led discussions, school programs, and digital campaigns aimed at preventing grooming and supporting survivors.

Case Example: The Mirabel Centre, Nigeria

The Mirabel Centre, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Lagos, stands as a powerful example of a successful survivor support network in Nigeria.  Providing free medical and psychosocial support to thousands of survivors of sexual violence since its inception, the Centre exemplifies best practices in survivor care. Its success is rooted in multi-sector collaboration, partnering strategically with hospitals, legal institutions, and community-based organizations to ensure a holistic and comprehensive response to survivors’ diverse needs.  Mirabel’s model demonstrates the critical importance of confidentiality, accessibility, and survivor-centered services in building an effective and sustainable support network.  Beyond direct services, the Mirabel Centre also plays a crucial role in raising awareness and advocating for policy changes to address sexual and gender-based violence. 2   Their work serves as a valuable template for other organizations seeking to establish similar support systems, emphasizing the power of partnership and a survivor-first approach.

While NGOs and advocacy groups are crucial drivers of change, creating truly protective environments requires a broader, collective effort. Families, religious groups, and schools all play essential roles in fostering a culture of safety and support.  A robust support system relies on this collective action, where institutions implement protective policies and frameworks, and communities actively challenge stigma, choosing instead to believe and support survivors.  This unified approach, combining institutional action with community-level change, is what ultimately creates a sustainable network of care and prevention.

As we move forward in this module, reflect on how survivor support systems function in your community. What gaps exist, and what solutions can be implemented? In our next lesson, we will explore Creating Educational Resources for Schools and Parents, ensuring that awareness and prevention strategies are embedded in everyday institutions.

Thank you for being part of this critical conversation. Let’s continue working towards a world where survivors are supported, protected, and empowered to thrive.