Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week 2025
As we mark Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week from February 3rd to 9th 2025, I have taken time to reflect on what to say to acknowledge this important week.
I found myself hesitating—questioning whether my words would be "good enough" or if they were even worth saying at all. But perhaps this hesitation mirrors the experience of many survivors of sexual violence—the fear of speaking out, the uncertainty of what to say, and the deep-seated impact of silence.
This silence is not only a personal experience but also a societal issue. Sexual violence remains an epidemic, yet it is too often ignored, underfunded, and inadequately addressed. Raising awareness is vital, but action is equally important. More government funding is needed for:
✔️ Rape crisis centers
✔️ Specialist police units
✔️ GP training
✔️ School, college, and university support
✔️ Prevention programs across all sectors
If you or someone you know needs support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can break the silence and work towards a safer, more supportive society for all.
Below are some key statistic and organisations survivors can reach out to for support
Key Statistics:
📌 1 in 4 women have been raped or sexually assaulted since the age of 16.
📌 1 in 18 men have been raped or sexually assaulted since the age of 16.
📌 1 in 6 children have experienced sexual abuse.
(Source: Rape Crisis England & Wales)
Support Resources for Survivors:
💜 The Survivors Trust – Supporting over 120 specialist rape and sexual abuse services across the UK and Ireland.
💜 Rape Crisis England & Wales – Free helpline, live chat, and directory of local services.
💜 SurvivorsUK – Specialized support for male survivors, including online counseling and helpline services.
💜 London Survivors Gateway – Connecting survivors in London to specialist services. Free phone line: 0808 801 0860.
Upcoming UK Event Raising Awareness:
📅 March 8, 2025: Million Women Rise march in London, coinciding with International Women’s Day. This annual women-only event protests against male violence towards women and children. The march will begin in Hyde Park, pass through Oxford Street, and conclude with a rally in Trafalgar Square. More details here.
For a full list of events, visit the Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week website.
