For Females Aged 18+ CSA Survivors

CIS’ters was set up in September 1995 as a self-help group for biological females age 18+ who, as female children, were sexually abused/raped by a member of their immediate/extended family. 

Our aim is to help survivors, who have experienced such abuse as best we can.  In common with other specialist services in the voluntary sector we are facing major financial challenges. In order to survive as a national charity we have been forced to reduce what we can offer. As at June 2026 this is currently limited to:

Information and Signposting

As a survivor led small charity we continue to receive emails from survivors who live all over England and Wales, occasionally, further away.  We respond to these emails sensitively and assist in the search to find local specialist support for them, based on their geographical location.

Membership of CIS'ters – Our focus is to help empower biological females (aged 18+), that were raped/sexually abused/exploited (as female children/teenagers) by a member of their immediate/extended family.  From the outset we offered (in addition to signposting to other specialist services etc) individuals within this category the opportunity to become a ‘Member’ of CIS’ters. From the outset we preferred that definition to 'Service User’. However, in October 2025 trustees made the difficult financial decision to cease offering new contacts the ability to become Members. Trustees affirmed their decision to continue to provide emotional support to existing members (at that time 500+ nationally) using email.

We Consider that Feedback from our Members is Critical - CIS'ters is survivor led, in that well over 50% of our Trust Board are individuals with 'lived experience' (and currently, Members of CIS'ters), with a casting vote.  Feedback is actively sought from our Members and continues to not only lead to improvement where these can be incorporated, but also to inform our national awareness initiatives.