Say Women
Supporting homeless, sexually abused young women
Work With Say Women
Supporting Material
For more information about the role(s), please find supporting information:
Supporting young women
SAY Women, founded in 1991, emerged in response to research by CHAR revealing that 40% of young homeless women had experienced sexual abuse, which often contributed to their homelessness. The research highlighted their complex needs and the heightened risk of further abuse due to their vulnerability.
This women-led charity supports survivors of men’s sexual violence using Judith Herman’s framework: Establishing Safety, Mourning and Remembering, Reconnection, and Moving On. Operating within the Social Model of support, SAY Women focuses on abuse as the core issue, recognising behaviours like self-harm and anger as survival strategies.
Their approach is adaptable. They tailor support to each young woman's needs, ensuring she remains in control and engages with services at her own pace.
Jane's Story
Their Underlying Principles
Their Vision:
- SAY Women’s vision is of a society where homelessness, sexual abuse, and all forms of Gender-based violence against women and girls are prevented and eradicated.
What they do:
- SAY Women provide accommodation and support services for Young Women (16-25) who have experienced child sexual abuse, rape and other forms of gender-based violence.
Support & Development outcomes:
- Power and control, Sense of identity, Emotional safety, Physical safety, Understanding of abuse
Feminist values & empowerment
SAY Women’s work is grounded in a feminist analysis of Men’s Violence Against Women and Children (MVAWC), also known as Gender-Based Violence. This perspective recognises that such abuse stems from systemic patriarchy, which perpetuates inequality through societal and governmental structures. SAY Women is committed to advancing women’s rights and equality across social, economic, and political spheres, both for the young women they support and as an employer.
Their core values guide every aspect of their work, fostering empowerment through:
- Courage: Acting despite fear to speak out and stand for justice.
- Compassion: Adopting a transparent, understanding, and victim-focused approach.
- Connection: Building relationships with the self, community, and the wider world.
