Southampton sexual abuse charity marks 40 years

What started as a rape crisis service has evolved into a charity that is there day in and day out for those who need it most.

Southampton-based Yellow Door offers a range of prevention and support interventions to those affected by domestic and sexual abuse, regardless of age and gender.

CEO of four years Nicci King, who has worked at the charity for more than a decade, said Yellow Door has “developed hugely” – and there are no plans to slow down now.

Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is a particular key area of focus.

And in light of the smash Netflix hit Adolescence, providing education to young people is especially important.

Scott Willis, head of service development at Yellow Door, said prevention is key.

Scott Willis of Yellow Door (Image: Newsquest) “We have an educational outreach programme called the STAR project where we work with young people on healthy relationships and incorporating that with all of the challenges young people experience in today’s world”, he said.

Scott added: “We were keen to respond to the VAWG agenda within the school setting and we created Peer Heroes.

“The whole essence behind this was to raise awareness of VAWG but from a young person’s perspective.

“What’s really important is that the messages are coming from the young people themselves.”

The Peer Heroes programme started with a group of year nine boys at a Southampton school but has since grown, Scott said.

READ MORE: Charity wants 'urgent answers' over missing evidence in sexual offence cases

They key is for young people, especially, boys, to deliver important messages on issues such as VAWG.

Every year, the charity works with around 9,000 schoolchildren.

Nicci said TV programmes like Adolescence are brilliant as they “highlight such issues and the responsibility to address them”.

Nicci King of Yellow Door (Image: Newsquest) But TV shows are not the sole driving force behind their work.

Nicci said: “Some of our services have grown and we did see an increase in reporting and referrals after Covid.

“It’s interesting to try and correlate it, and through our partnerships we have seen an increase in referrals.

“We do believe there is a positive in the fact there is a confidence in people coming forward.”

To mark 40 years, a special film showcasing the work of Yellow Door is in production.

Several networking events and even a carol service are earmarked for this year too, and further information can be found on the charity’s website.