People are often so uncomfortable to have even a basic conversation about abuse that survivors have to take the responsibility in coaching and advocating for their own support - Sophia Luu, Secrets Worth Sharing
Todays Taboos: Surviving Child Sexual Abuse
Sensationalised in the media but silenced in everyday life, child sexual abuse is far too common. Yet child sexual abuse and its lasting physical and mental impacts is still a hugely taboo topic and too few survivors’ stories are heard.
The taboo of speaking up means people have to live with the painful, lasting and wide-reaching impacts alone. Even years on from the sexual abuse, the taboo means it is difficult for people to talk about the impacts with friends, family, their community or healthcare professionals.
Many people do not know how to have these conversations or how to provide support to survivors, sometimes leading to an unhelpful pressure to ‘move on’, reinforcing that they should have remained silent
What will this event be?
This event will host an in conversation with Sophia Luu, founder of Secrets Worth Sharing, a platform for approachable advice on talking about childhood sexual abuse with serious joy. She will be joined by:
Jeremy Indika, who is a former McLaren design engineer turned speaker and podcast host, and the founder of Something to Say — a movement using personal story to break the silence around the sexual abuse of children. His talks and workshops help parents, schools, and communities understand grooming, spot the signs, and take action to protect children.
Chioma Alade, who is an educator, activist, advocate, speaker, writer, and researcher committed to raising awareness about the complexities of sexual abuse—particularly within the Afro-Caribbean community—and the systemic issues surrounding clergy abuse. Her work emphasizes the urgent need to shorten the time it takes for victims to come forward and receive support.
Where:
A private, wheelchair accessible space in Clapham, London. We will share the excact location when you register for a ticket.
When:
Thursday 3rd July, from 6pm. Please feel free to arrive anytime before 6.40, when the panel begins.
Who will you hear from?
Sophia Luu is a trauma-informed designer, researcher and childhood-sexual-abuse activist working on topics no one else wants to talk about. She is the founder of Secrets Worth Sharing, a non-profit offering practical, approachable and intersectional advice on how to talk about childhood sexual abuse, so that survivors get better support from friends, family and support services. They provide digital resources, film clubs, workshops and podcasts for the public as well as consultancy and training for organisations. Central to their ethos is ‘Serious Joy’, believing that it is possible to have these conversations in a light touch way so that they are more accessible for all.
Chioma Alade is an educator, activist, advocate, speaker, writer, and researcher committed to raising awareness about the complexities of sexual abuse—particularly within the Afro-Caribbean community—and the systemic issues surrounding clergy abuse. Her work emphasizes the urgent need to shorten the time it takes for victims to come forward and receive support.
Jeremy Indika is a former McLaren design engineer turned speaker and podcast host, and the founder of Something to Say — a movement using personal story to break the silence around the sexual abuse of children. His talks and workshops help parents, schools, and communities understand grooming, spot the signs, and take action to protect children.
Content note:
The taboo we are discussing will bring to light the lived experience of childhood sexual abuse. This may include:
References to childhood sexual abuse
Mentions of suicidal thoughs, or self harm
Please do make sure you prioritise your own mental health when choosing to attend this event. If you have any further questions about the event topics please feel free to get in touch at hello@talkingtaboos.com.