Our Refugee Position Statement

17.06.25 | News

We Are Survivors is committed to ensuring our service reflects the diversity of our local community here in Greater Manchester.

Our organisation believes it is important to express our position in acknowledging those in our local communities that have been forced to flee their home countries in search of safety, as we continue our work supporting male, trans-male and non-binary survivors of sexual harms. It is vital that we make this stance clear in light of the often-hostile environment people seeking asylum face in UK.

We will always stand in solidarity with any male, trans-male or non-binary survivor of sexual harms who has also been made subject to the global displacement crisis. It is imperative that we stand against language that diminishes the unique experience of a person seeking asylum, or those granted refugee status, and we believe that no person seeking refuge from persecution, discrimination, war or sexual violence should be deemed without ‘good character’. Furthermore, those seeking asylum should not be criminalised simply for trying to survive.

Any sanctuary-seeking survivor arriving at our door is no ‘stranger’ to us, and are as valid within our service as anyone else. We will not tolerate language which undermines, reduces, or negates the legitimacy and strength of any survivor, or their wholly unique experiences, no matter their origin. We proudly endorse the healing potential of active kindness and connection, from which community spirit can flourish. Therefore, we are calling to all those male, trans-male and non-binary persons who have sought/are seeking sanctuary, and who are also affected by sexual harms, to say that you are welcome at our door. We understand that sexual harms are perpetrated irrespective of gender across the world, and that rape, sexual abuse, and exploitation are all used themselves as weapons of war. Conflict and displacement compound the vulnerabilities of all those subject to it, irrespective of age and gender. We believe that no survivor, no matter where they come, from should be left behind.

We continue to position ourselves against the stigma and silence that prevents any person seeking sanctuary within our community from speaking up or reaching out for help; we encourage conversations which can empower those suffering to know that they are not alone, that they can find belonging across our diverse communities here in Greater Manchester. Recognising differing forms of displacement will help us identify pathways and signpost our survivors to other trusted and specialised services within the region, who cater to the needs of those seeking asylum or with refugee status toward re-realising their potential here in Greater Manchester. Our commitment beyond this is to welcome fellow survivors with open arms, free from judgement or labels. We aim to see the individual, allow them to understand, and to process their trauma on their own path, based on their own unique experiences, that must never be ignored or exploited. As such, we deplore any policy or rhetoric which may further impact on the healing-journeys of those arriving at our doors having already survived enough.

Whoever you are, whatever you have survived, we are here to support you and tailor our care towards the rebuilding and realisation of your potential within the new community you have reached, fostering and building upon your already strong survivor spirit. We are here to support your personal safety, to overcome compounded trauma, and to feel confident and to connect again. We welcome you with kindness, we see your courage and hope to be part of your healing-journey.