Survivors of child sexual abuse (CSA) in the UK are participating in standup comedy courses as a novel method to cope with their trauma.

This initiative, the first of its kind in the UK, was led by comedian Angie Belcher, who pioneered comedy prescribed on the NHS through her project, Comedy on Referral. She organized a two-day course in Bristol where survivors of CSA learned to use humor as a therapeutic tool.

“Comedy is often tragedy plus time,” Belcher explains, “and these are individuals who have already undergone substantial counseling and are now seeking alternative activities to stay engaged and move forward.”

Despite the serious nature of their experiences, Belcher emphasizes that finding humor in their stories can be empowering. This approach allows survivors to reclaim their voice and power, using laughter to confront their abusers rather than remaining victims to their trauma.

With an estimated 11 million CSA survivors in the UK, where at least one in ten children experience sexual abuse before they turn 16, this method offers a unique approach to healing. CSA is known to lead to various long-term psychological and physical health issues, including addiction, PTSD, personality disorders, and suicide.

Belcher has previously used her platform to address CSA issues, including hosting annual conferences for The Green House, a charity that provides support for CSA survivors.

The course, funded by the Southmead Project’s Active Recovery scheme in Bristol, involved 12 survivors who used their personal traumas as a foundation for their comedic pieces. Participants learned to craft jokes, develop their comedic style, and leverage their “inner comedian” to enhance their daily lives.

Ryan Moore, a participant in the course, found standup to be more therapeutic than any medication he has been prescribed. Though the subject of CSA itself is not humorous, Moore and others use their experiences to frame their comedic narratives, offering audiences a unique perspective on their lives.

Jemima Foxtrot, director of Kindreds Creatives, which facilitates creative workshops for CSA survivors, sees the transformative potential of humor to address trauma, despite the inherent risks. Similarly, Viv Gordon, artistic director of UpFront Survivors, recognizes the significance of humor as a survival mechanism and a means of dealing with the pain and challenges associated with CSA.

James MacKinnon of Survivors UK applauds the project, highlighting that while not a universal approach, comedy can offer survivors a powerful sense of agency and a fresh perspective on their difficulties.