This article addresses a distressing topic. If you are in any way impacted by this, please seek help - there are some suggestions of who you can contact at the bottom of this article.
Breaking the Silence: Understanding and Preventing Sexual Abuse and Violence
“While working as a sex worker, I met a man who became my boyfriend and the father of my fourth child…He was abusive but - because he was able to take care of me and our child - I stayed with him.”
Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week (February 3rd-9th) is a crucial time to raise awareness about these devastating crimes and support survivors. This week aims to break the silence surrounding sexual abuse and violence, challenge harmful attitudes, and empower individuals to recognize and prevent these acts.
Could you list 5 types of Sexual Abuse and Violence?
Sexual abuse and violence encompass a range of harmful behaviors, including:
- Rape: Forcible sexual intercourse without consent.
- Sexual assault: Any unwanted sexual contact, including touching, groping, and forced kissing.
- Child sexual abuse: Any sexual activity with a minor, including exploitation and grooming.
- Domestic sexual violence: Sexual abuse within a domestic or intimate partner relationship- often coercive, threatening, degrading and controlling behaviours
- Sexual exploitation: Using another person for sexual gratification, often involving power imbalances, transactions and coercion.
Almost 70,000 people were raped in the UK between July 2023 and June 2024.
70,000 people
Does that number shock you? It does me! Despite the prevalence of these issues, there is still a significant amount of stigma and silence surrounding them.
Plus, what often gets overlooked is the devasting impact that sexual abuse and violence have on the mental and emotional well-being of survivors. From feelings of shame and guilt to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. The trauma endured by survivors can last a lifetime.
This awareness week is an opportunity to break that silence. It’s a time to educate, to listen, and to speak up for those who may feel voiceless.
As a charity dedicated to sexual health, we know how vital it is to provide support for those who have experienced sexual violence. It’s important that we challenge myths, educate young people especially, and create a culture of respect and accountability.
Our partners around the world actively fight against such sexual abuse and violence on a regular basis.
In Zimbabwe, the Shining Star Project work with sexually exploited women. The vulnerable ladies are taught where they can report cases of rape without judgement, what their rights are in such cases and are given access to psychological counselling.
In South Africa, the Beaded Anklet Projects supports vulnerable girls who have been abused by powerful men. The girls were asked for sexual favours in return for gifts such as pencil cases. The centre counsels the girls, reaffirming their worth and value. They also work with the wider community to build homes with lockable doors for security. Plus, they work with them to give them new skills and confidence to earn money and help their communities.
And here in the UK- our Esteem project is run in many schools throughout the country teaching young people how to have positive, healthy relationships and how to recognise unhealthy behaviours and abuse, whether they are online or in real life.
There’s a big difference between knowing what abuse is and actually recognising it when it happens to you or someone close to you.
Ways to Prevent Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence
1. Know Your Circle
Most sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows—family members, friends, or trusted acquaintances. Stop assuming everyone in your inner circle is safe. Vet the people you let into your home, especially around children. If someone displays predatory behavior, cut them off immediately, no excuses.
2. Teach Consent and Boundaries Early
Parents, this one’s on you. Teach your kids what is and isn’t acceptable behaviour—not just for themselves but toward others. Educate them about body autonomy, the importance of saying "no," and recognizing when something feels wrong. This applies to adults too—respect your partner's boundaries, and demand the same respect in return.
3. Create a Culture of Open Communication
Victims often stay silent because they fear judgment, blame, or disbelief. If you’re not creating an environment where people feel safe to talk, you’re part of the problem. Listen without judgment, believe survivors, and respond with action instead of skepticism.
4. Lock Your Doors—Literally and Figuratively
This might seem basic, but you’d be shocked how often home invasions or assaults occur because of unlocked doors or windows. Take your home’s security seriously. Beyond physical security, set boundaries for who has access to your space and your family.
5. Stop Normalizing Toxic Behavior
Jokes about sexual violence, inappropriate comments, and dismissive attitudes create an environment where predators feel emboldened. Call out this behavior every time. It's not harmless, and it certainly isn't funny.
6. Trust Your Instincts
If someone gives you or your children the creeps, trust that feeling. Don’t let social pressure override your instincts. It’s better to offend someone than to deal with the consequences of ignoring your gut.
7. Know the Signs of Abuse
Unexplained injuries, changes in behavior, or reluctance to be around certain people are red flags. Pay attention to these signs in children, partners, and even yourself. In the 2024 trials in France, Gisele Pelicot noticed the changes in her body, but took years to realise that she was being raped as she slept.
8. Demand Accountability
If someone in your home or community is a known predator, do not shield them. Too often, families and communities protect abusers out of shame or fear of scandal. This allows predators to continue their behavior unchecked.
Remember: You are not alone. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse or violence, please reach out for help.
Support Resources:
- Contact Rape Crisis which supports victims of rape or sexual abuse 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line.
- The Survivors Trust - Rape & Sexual Abuse Services UK
- Home - Safeline
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical or legal advice.