RAW ROAR: A Root-Level Revolution in Healing Childhood Sexual Abuse

RAW ROAR: A Root-Level Revolution in Healing Childhood Sexual Abuse

By Roar Through Art - Heal Your Trauma Event

Roar to Rise: The revolution starts at the roots—For survivors, advocates, educators & policymakers. Heal CSA through art, science & truth.

Date and time

Location

The Africa Centre

66 Great Suffolk Street London SE1 0BL United Kingdom

Lineup

Agenda

Agenda
Untitled agenda
Untitled agenda
Untitled agenda

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Doors Open

Toyin Okunuga


Arrive, explore the space, engage with installations, and get seated. Light refreshments available.

3:00 PM - 3:20 PM

Somatic Grounding + Breathwork


Toyin — creates safety in the body before diving into deep work.

3:20 PM - 3:50 PM

The Science of CSA & Healing

Toyin


Toyin presents trauma research, brain/gut-body rewiring, and why art-based healing works.

3:50 PM - 4:15 PM

Survivor Voices Performance

Toyin


Spoken word + monologue by ROAR Loud youth and adult participants.

4:15 PM - 4:45 PM

RAW ROAR Workbook + Art Reveal


Interactive reveal of the healing workbook and visual pieces created by survivors.

5:15 PM - 6:00 PM

Advocacy & Policy Panel


Short talks and open Q&A for educators, police officers, and mental health professionals

6:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Closing Circle + Sacred Silence

The Collective


A restorative ritual to honour our collective voice and quiet power.

6:30 PM - 6:50 PM

Mingling & Connection Space

Toyin


Informal conversation, networking, and refreshments.

Good to know

Highlights

  • 4 hours
  • Ages 16+
  • In person
  • Paid venue parking
  • Doors at 14:45

Refund Policy

No Refunds

About this event

Charity & Causes • Healthcare

Join us for RAW ROAR – a powerful, immersive healing event designed for survivors, supporters, and changemakers. Through music, movement, storytelling, and expressive arts, we will reclaim our voices and reimagine our future. Whether you're a trauma survivor, a mental wellness advocate, or someone who believes in the power of creativity to heal, this event will move you deeply.

RAW ROAR will feature inspiring speakers, trauma-informed facilitators, live performances, art installations, and the unveiling of the RAW ROAR recovery workbook. This is more than an event — it’s a movement.

The Science Behind RAW ROAR:

  • Trauma lives in the body and the brain. Research shows that childhood sexual abuse (CSA) causes neurobiological disruption—reducing hippocampus volume, altering amygdala and prefrontal cortex function, and dysregulating the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis (PMC9138975).
  • These neurological effects contribute to adult struggles with PTSD, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, brain fog, digestive issues, unexplained surgeries, and relationship dysfunction.
  • Traumatic memory is often stored nonverbally, in the body’s sensory and motor systems (Verywell Mind). Verbal therapy alone may not access these somatic imprints.
  • Somatic healing and expressive arts—like painting, music, movement, and writing—have been shown to promote neuroplasticity and re-integrate fractured identity states (ResearchGate).
  • The gut-brain axis is affected by early trauma. Disruptions to vagal tone and gut microbiota are linked to trauma-induced anxiety, inflammation, and mood disorders (Frontiers in Psychology). Practices that restore safety through breath, art, and somatic regulation also improve digestion, mood, and immunity.

Why This Matters:

  • 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys experience CSA before the age of 18 (NSPCC).
  • Over 3 million adults in the UK alone live with the long-term impact of childhood sexual trauma.
  • Prevention—not just cure—is the most sustainable strategy.

Toyin’s Story:Toyin Okunuga is a CSA survivor turned thriver. Her healing journey inspired the creation of:

  • Hush to Roar – Her memoir (available on Amazon) -
  • Roar Through Art CIC – Her community organisation -
  • Healing T.I.P.P.S. – Her somatic, art-based inner peace school (Toyin’s Inner Peace Pathway School)
  • The RAW ROAR movement – a heart-led global initiative for healing through creativity

She believes that healing is not only possible—it’s vital, and most powerfully accessed through safe, creative, embodied spaces.

Frequently asked questions

Is this event only for survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA)?

No — RAW ROAR is for survivors and supporters: educators, mental health professionals, safeguarding leads, artists, policymakers, police officers, and anyone committed to trauma-informed change. Your presence helps create a ripple of healing and advocacy.

2. Will the event be triggering or emotionally intense?

While some themes are deeply emotional, RAW ROAR is designed as a safe, trauma-informed, and empowering experience. Emotional support will be available onsite. No one is expected to share their personal story unless they choose to.

3. What should I bring or wear to the event?

Come as you are. Comfortable clothes are recommended for movement-based activities. You may wish to bring a journal, pen, or small item that brings you comfort or peace.

4. Will food or refreshments be provided?

Light refreshments will be available. There are also cafes and restaurants nearby. We recommend eating a nourishing meal beforehand, especially if you're sensitive to emotional content

5. Is the venue accessible for wheelchair users or people with sensory needs?

Yes. The Africa Centre is wheelchair accessible. We are also offering quiet zones and sensory-friendly spaces. Please contact us in advance with any specific needs: info@roarthroughartcic.com

Organised by

Roar Through Art - Heal Your Trauma Event

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From £16.96
Oct 25 · 15:00 GMT+1