Charity Number: 1192195
Website: Saferwaves.org
Email: support@saferwaves.org
Summary: Safer Waves offers support and information to merchant seafarers who have experienced sexual violence or gender discrimination while working at sea.
These experiences can be hard to talk about, even within the supportive environment provided by existing seafarer welfare and support organisations. While we have made progress in discussing bullying and harassment within the Merchant Navy, it remains difficult to find a safe space to talk about assault and rape.
Now a registered charity, we aim to create that safe space, provide information and signpost to other suitable welfare charities globally and locally. We are working with seafarers, employers and organisations to build a network of support.
Safer Waves is a charity that is dedicated to supporting merchant seafarers who have experienced sexual violence or gender discrimination while working at sea.
Their anonymous and confidential email service, support@saferwaves.org, offers emotional support, resources and signposting. It is available to seafarers of any nationality or gender.
Seafarers are able to contact the service to discuss any form of sexual violence including sexual harassment, sexual assault and rape. They are also able to discuss gender-based discrimination and violence, which may include bullying, verbal abuse, controlling behaviour or physical violence.
The email support volunteers are trained in responding to disclosures of sexual violence, and the aim of the service is to help alleviate some of the distress and isolation that seafarers may feel when trying to navigate these difficult experiences alone.