Downing, currently preparing for England's friendly international with Ghana at Wembley, went down with Middlesbrough at the end of the 2008-2009 campaign.
Villa are currently only one point above the drop zone ahead of Sunday's clash at Everton, but Downing believes there is enough quality in Gerard Houllier's squad to survive.
He said: "I have been in this situation before when I was at Middlesbrough so I know what it is like.
"No disrespect to Middlesbrough but when we went down we had a right good go and just weren't good enough at the end compared to the next-placed team.
"But, if you look at the quality we have got here I think our experience will shine through."
Source: PA
Source: PA