However, charity Open Secret, hopes its new premises will offer a place of tranquillity and peace for anyone who does want to discuss their problems.

The offices – a grand old sandstone building in Falkirk's Thornhill Road – have a real welcoming and homely feel to them, and manager Janine Rennie hopes they will prove to be a sanctuary for some of the charity's most vulnerable clients.

Janine said: "People might want to get away from everything, and come to somewhere that they feel comfortable and safe.

"This is a good place to do this kind of work – it's a nice place for people to come to."

Work on furnishing the premises is still on going, but when completed, it is hoped the house, which is surrounded by a large private garden, will be able to provide solace to the many thousands of people who have been affected by abuse.

Started in 1994, Open Secret works mainly with victims of childhood sexual abuse, as well as dealing with other issues including domestic violence and emotional abuse across Forth Valley.

The organisation was originally staffed mainly by volunteers, but with one in ten people being sexually abused at some point in their life,
Open Secret has grown substantially over the years, and now has a paid staff alongside the volunteers, working in partnership with social workers, GPs and police.

Project manager Tam Beirne said: "We are still dealing with the last taboo.

"It's still as unacceptable a subject to talk about as there is.

"There's a degree of discomfort for parents talking about it with their own kids.

"There is still a barrier to be broken down."

When someone approaches Open Secret for help, they will be offered an initial appointment, where an assessment is carried out to find out what services would be suitable for them.

Anyone requiring counselling will be offered 12 sessions in the first instance.

Janine said: "We work with the service user to find out their goals, and what issues they are facing.
"If they want to contact the police, we can help them – but it's also completely confidential, so if people don't want to speak to police, there is no need to.
"People can also be seen in their local area, at their GP surgery.
"Not everyone needs one to one counselling though.
"They might go into a support group, or become part of the befriending network."
There is also an art therapy group, and plans are in the pipeline for writing therapy sessions.
Janine said: "The groups are fantastic in helping people to realise that they're not alone.
"People often think that they're the only person who has experienced it.
"One of our recent groups made a very close bond and still meet up now."
Overcoming the stigma of abuse is something which Janine believes is vital.
She added: "We have to break down the barriers, and let people not feel ashamed.
"It's very important to work with them and make them realise that it's not their fault."
The team have just received a four year grant from the Big Lottery to run a comprehensive young persons project in schools across Falkirk.
Janine said: "The programme will help to train teachers in how to deal with disclosure, as well as dealing with awareness in children about what's right and wrong."
Open Secret will be holding an open day on Tuesday, September 9, from noon until 4 p.m.
Tam added: "Anyone who wants to come along will be made very welcome.
"It is an anonymous day.
"People can come in and have a look around and see what we do, for whatever reason.
"Then, if people wish to take that next step, there will be people here who will be on hand to speak to them."
n For more information about Open Secret, or if you would like to offer your services as a volunteer, call (01324) 630100.