Peer group to be set up in Downham Market to support abuse victims

A woman from West Dereham is hoping to reach out to adults who were sexually abused as children by setting up a peer-support group.

Jean Rochford, who has been involved with national charity Enough Abuse UK and raised funds for them through a sponsored bike ride last year, will start the group in Downham next week.

Mrs Rochford said it is a “huge struggle” for people to get help, with the majority of services being based in Norwich where there is also a support group.

She said it can also be difficult for people to get help due to long waiting lists or due to the costs involved with counselling.

“I thought it would be good if I could set a support group up where we help one another, it is not going to be counselling.”

Mrs Rochford said that the group would not involve any ‘professionals’, but would be made up of ‘survivors’.

“This will be aimed at people who want to support one another, share information of what helped us and positive things we can do to help and support one another to move forward,” she added.

“Everybody has knowledge to give. If we work together, we will become stronger.

“It’s going to be as positive as it can, as if you are with people who are positive then you are more likely to be able to move on.”

The peer group will aim to “enable people to gain confidence and understand that child sex abuse can cast a shadow on your life”, she said.

“I just think because we have all had this similar experience in our lives which none of us asked for, but we have been left with this to deal with, we should make something for ourselves, which is better than nothing,” Mrs Rochford added.

It is open to men, women and family members.

The group’s first meeting will be on Tuesday at Downham Methodist Church on Paradise Road from 7pm to 9pm.

To find out more, contact Mrs Rochford by emailing her at jean.roch

ford@btinternet.com.