My name is Lauren and I am a victim-survivor of intra-familial child sexual abuse, as well as a number of other adverse childhood experiences. The effects have impacted every aspect of my life and development, though despite these traumas (and maybe because of them) I harbour an innate drive to connect with, support, and empower others who’ve had similar life experiences. The Arts have been a great source of therapy and expression throughout my life; I’m an avid poet, actor, and autobiographical writer, having honed my craft during my undergraduate studies in English Literature & Creative Writing and undertaking courses at the Questor’s Theatre, The Old Vic and participating in amateur theatre groups.
More recently I pursued a master’s degree in Psychological Sciences, in response to the challenges I experienced in accessing mental health support through the NHS, which has helped me to understand the research around the many outcomes I was struggling with as a result of the abuse. I am currently using the knowledge and skills I’ve gained to build an organisation specifically geared towards building a community and supporting adult female survivors of intra-familial child sexual abuse, as well as using my lived experience in addiction and recovery as a Peer Mentor at my local drug and alcohol service, supporting people with substance misuse issues on their sobriety journey.
Being a part of the LEAG is both vital and an honour as I feel very strongly about the importance of survivors’ contributions throughout every stage of research in order for it to be genuinely co-produced and I take on the personal responsibility to represent the voices of survivors in the most raw and authentic way.
