click onion to find out how the SAS first began

                            Onion Logo and the SAS group                     

The choice of an onion as a logo for the S.A.S. group was made in 1999 by the founder members. It is a symbol of the stages of healing for those who have been sexually abused.  The outer layers of an onion are thin and brittle, they break easily. These layers can be peeled away and the new layers get stronger and firmer towards the inside of the onion. During the process of peeling back the layers tears are shed, just as happens for a survivor on the journey of healing.  If an onion is cut in half a heart can be found in the centre, so when a person begins their journey of healing they set out to re-discover the heart that was broken or lost.

When an onion is pulled up out of the ground and the layers are gradually peeled back so the roots begin to shrivel. They are no longer significant to the onion, these roots are like the past that has affected the life of a survivor. The amazing thing is that as the outer layers are peeled back and the roots begin to shrivel new growth can begin. Firm strong and fresh shoots begin to rise from the heart out and up.
                  
               Find out how the SAS group in Shetland first began by clicking on the onion.

Click here to see the effects of sexual abuse and some thoughts on healing