A practical guide for creating survivor councils

Survivors have firsthand experience and insights into the complexities, challenges, and needs of those who have suffered from child sexual abuse. Their direct experiences can provide invaluable perspectives that policymakers may lack.

Survivor councils allow lived experience to directly impact policy formation and government delivery to keep children safe. They are vehicles enabling survivors to have a sustainable voice within a government, allowing them to use their expertise and experience to make decisions on preventing future violence and abuse.

This practical guide aims to support survivors, civil society organisations, and their government allies in establishing survivor councils to inform policy on ending violence against children, including childhood sexual violence. It includes a definition of survivor councils and key messaging on why these councils are vital to empowering survivors’ voices, as well as step-by-step guidance on how to set one up, including practical advice on resourcing, safeguarding, and recruitment.