For too long, survivors of childhood sexual violence have been silenced while perpetrators escape justice. We CAN change that. There are clear solutions which would see children better protected, more justice for survivors achieved and better support for healing and trauma relief.

Survivors of child sexual violence must be included in finding these solutions, bringing their expertise and lived experience into shaping improved policies, programmes and approaches. Together, we can — and must — be brave so children and adolescents can be safe.

Through the Brave Movement, we are transforming our shame into a call for bold and transformative action.  We are survivors of sexual violence with different backgrounds and experiences, and we share a common knowledge of what it’s like to feel alone, to be hidden, to live scared and to hold onto misplaced blame. We know what it is like to carry shame and are working to ensure that others do not experience this.

Matthew McVarish, who is co-founder of the Brave Movement, will deliver our first Keynote input at the 2025 National Safeguarding Conference.