Skip to main content

Translate

 Donate
Hide this page
  1. Who We Are
  2. Lived Experience Group

Lived Experience Group

We put victims and survivors at the very heart of everything we do, and we believe that the best way to improve the response to victims and survivors of Technology-Assisted Child Sexual Abuse (TACSA) is to listen to, and act on, the voices of those with lived experience.

Our Lived Experience Group (LEG) is made up of a network of adult victims and survivors of child sexual abuse. Members of the group have a wide range of different experiences including technology-assisted abuse, familial abuse, trafficking, image-based abuse, and child sexual exploitation. They are passionate about using their experiences to improve outcomes for the victims and survivors of yesterday and the victims of today. Their work includes challenging negative stereotypes and stigmas that those with lived experience face on their recovery journey and ensuring that professional responses do no further harm.  

Lived Experience Group
Lived Experience Group

The LEG is survivor led in all aspects. It is co-ordinated by our Head of Advocacy, Rhiannon-Faye McDonald, and our Victim and Survivor Advocate, Megan Hinton, both of whom have lived experience of TACSA. Members set clear aims and objectives for the group’s activities over the 2024/25 period and have been instrumental in the co-production of the LEG Advocacy Strategy.

The welfare of LEG members is of utmost importance to us. All work is done in a way that puts their needs first, they have access to support from the MCF team at all times, they are paid for their time and expertise, and are offered regular training, development and supervision.

The group’s collective and diverse expertise are vital to what we do here at MCF. Their insights guide us as we advocate for change at a local, national and international level in order to better support victims on their recovery journey.

The LEG has collaborated with a range of external partners to ensure that the voice of lived experience informs the vital work happening in this area. They have a proven track record working with frontline practitioners, researchers, policy makers and industry professionals. Opportunities for future partnerships are welcome.

Lived Experience Group

Lived Experience Group Member's Area

Keep in Touch