Sexual Abuse and Violence Awareness Week: Definition & signs

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Sexual Abuse and Violence Week is here to raise awareness of sexual crimes and the support that is out there for victims.

Sexual abuse and violence are often perceived to be carried out by a stranger down a dark alley at night. But, statistics show that most victims know their perpetrator, and the crime is often carried out somewhere the victim usually feels safe, like at home or at work.

This year, the annual campaign runs from February 5^th to 11^th as organisations come together to raise awareness of these violent crimes, as well as dispelling common myths that people perceive about sexual abuse.

Sexual Abuse and Violence

Sexual abuse definition

Sexual abuse is when someone is forced, pressured or tricked into taking part in any kind of sexual activity with another person. This could be done online or in person and can happen to anyone of any age.

Types of sexual abuse

Sexual abuse can occur both in person, physically, online, and to anyone of any age.

Sexual abuse can include:

Being pressured or forced to do something sexual or have sex
Someone flashing or exposing themselves to you in person or online
Being pressured or told to share sexual images or videos of yourself
Being sent, shown or given sexual pictures and videos, including porn
Being given things or made to feel like you owe someone something sexual
Doing anything sexual without your consent
Rape and sexual assault

Signs of sexual abuse

Talking about sexual abuse can be difficult and the victim might struggle to open up about it. But, anybody can be a victim of sexual abuse, not just children, girls or women.

We have rounded-up some signs you should look out for if you suspect someone you know is being abused:

Physical signs of sexual abuse

Avoiding being alone with or frightened of people or a person they know
Language or sexual behaviour you wouldn’t expect them to know
Having nightmares
Alcohol or drug misuse
Self-harm
Changes in eating habits or developing an eating problem
Changes in their mood, feeling irritable and angry, or anything out of the ordinary
Change in normal behaviour, for example suddenly not attending work or education
Appearing anxious on their phone/devices

How to report sexual abuse

If you have been abused yourself, you should report the abuse to the police.

If the offence has recently happened:

Keep the clothes you were wearing and don’t wash them – the police may need them as evidence for the investigation
Try not to shower as there may be evidence which the police can use

If you’re under 17, the Child Protection Unit of your local police station will deal with your case.

If you do not want to report it to the police, some areas have Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) who can offer medical support and collect evidence that can be used if you wish to report it at a later date.

Reporting for someone else

You can report rape, sexual assault or other sexual offences to the police on behalf of someone else you know, or as a witness even if you don’t know the victim.

If you make a report on behalf of someone else, the police will ask you if:

They know you are making the report
You have their permission to make the report
We can contact them or not

You can tell the police about something that’s happened to someone even if they and you don’t want to give out their details.

Sexual abuse charities

There are a number of charities offering support to victims of sexual abuse in the UK:

Safeline – 01926 402498

The Survivors Trust – 08088 010818

Victim Support – 0808 16 89 111

Sexual abuse and making a claim

If you have been a victim of sexual abuse you may be able to make a claim for damages. For more information about making a claim in relation to sexual abuse, contact Oakwood Solicitors for advice from a team of legal experts who will be able to assist you.

Sexual Abuse and Violence Awareness Week: Definition and signs to look out for