Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week is an important national campaign that takes place every year, falling this year from 3 to 7 February 2025. This is a dedicated week to give survivors a voice and space to acknowledge their experiences, encourage conversation and highlight the support available to those in need.
What do we mean by sexual violence?
Sexual violence is any unwanted (non-consensual) sexual act or activity. There are different kinds of sexual violence that exist, including but not restricted to:
- Rape
- Sexual assault
- Child sexual abuse
- Sexual harassment
- Coercion
- Gaslighting
- Female genital mutilation
- Trafficking and sexual exploitation
- Forced marriage
These can take place in various contexts, including within relationships, workplaces and organised groups such as the church, schools or other activity groups. It disproportionately affects some groups, including women, children, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities.
Sexual violence (including sexual assault) is a criminal offence.
What are the signs of sexual abuse and sexual violence?
There are many physical and behavioural signs to look out for, these include:
- cuts and bruises
- unusual difficulty walking or sitting
- irritation, pain or bleeding in the genital area
- new substance or alcohol abuse
- unexpected or increased use of explicit sexual language
- changes in behaviour and attitude towards sex
- seeming distant and listless
- sleeping problems
- refusing help with personal care.
- reluctance to be alone with certain people.
- self-harm
What support is available?
It is never too late to get support for sexual abuse or sexual violence.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police.
If you don’t want to report to the police but would like to talk to someone, Rape Crisis’s team are available – at any time of the day or night.
Contact Rape Crisis’s 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line: 0808 500 2222
What claims can I make?
Claims that can be pursued in cases of sexual abuse include:
CICA Claims
Sexual abuse/assault is a criminal offense (such as rape, sexual assault, or sexual exploitation) and the perpetrator may face criminal charges brought by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). If the abuse is reported to the Police then you may be eligible to make an application to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
Civil Claims
If you have been sexually abused by someone employed by an organisation or institution (such as a school, workplace, or religious institution), then you may be able to pursue a civil claim for compensation against that organisation.
Abuse specialist Helen Horne at Enable Law said: ‘The support and awareness gathered by this campaign allows survivors who have not yet felt able to come forward, to do so in a safe environment, and take that important step of reporting the offence to the police, so justice can be sought’.
How we can help?
At Enable Law we have a specialist team of solicitors helping survivors following a recent or historic case of sexual violence or abuse. All conversations are free of charge and completely confidential. We take every measure to help you feel at ease and understand how difficult it is to share what happened with a stranger. To speak to Helen or a member of her team call us to day on 0800 044 08488 or fill in our contact form so we can call you at a time convenient to you.
