Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence can happen to anyone. Research shows that 1 in 4 women have experienced rape or sexual assault, and 1 in 10 men. Over half of those affected don’t seek help, often due to fear of not being believed.
Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness week aims to help stop the silence and improve awareness of where help and support is available.
You can join the conversation on social media using #itsnotok or by following @itsnotok2023
Find out where to get help and how to recognise the signs of abuse online.
There are a range of services available to survivors of sexual violence and sexual abuse, or for those looking to help someone they know:
NHS Information and Services
Anyone who has been sexually assaulted can get confidential help, treatment and support at a sexual assault referral centre.
Find your nearest sexual assault referral centre: Find Sexual assault services – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Rape Crisis Centres are also available nationwide. North London Rape Crisis Centre is provided by Solace Women’s Aid. Their helpline number is: 0808 802 5565 (Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm. Additional 6pm – 8pm on Tuesdays.)
Find out where to get help or how to support a victim of sexual assault: Help after rape and sexual assault – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Safe Spaces
As part of Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, we would like to make everyone aware of Safe Spaces.
Safe Spaces are places where those suffering from domestic violence can get help. Safe Spaces are situated within Boots, Superdrug, Morrisons and Well pharmacies, as well as many independent pharmacies across the UK.
How to access a Safe Space:
- Walk into any participating pharmacy in the UK. You can find your nearest one online.
- Ask at the healthcare counter to use their Safe Space.
- A pharmacist will show you to the Safe Space, which will be the consultancy room.
- Once inside, you will find displayed specialist domestic abuse support information for you to access, to make that call or access Bright Sky safely.
Bright Sky
Bright Sky is a free to download mobile app providing support and information for anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know.
The app is also available to use in Polish, Punjabi and Urdu.
You can find out more about Bright Sky.
Council Sexual Violence Support
North London Rape Crisis (Solace Women’s Aid)
Helpline: 0808 801 0305 (Monday and Friday 10am – 2pm, Tuesday 10am – 1pm and 6 – 8pm and Wednesday and Thursday 1 – 5pm)
Website: http://www.solacewomensaid.org
Email address (General): info@solacewomensaid.org
Address: 2 Angel Square, Warrens Street, London, EC1V 1NY
Services Available To: Women and girls only
National Charities and Helplines
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge – (24-hour and free to use)
- 0808 2000 247
Women’s Aid (8am-6pm Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm Sat-Sun)
- Live Chat feature can be found online.
Victim Support (24-hour and free to use)
- 0808 1689 111
Rape Crisis 24/7 rape & sexual abuse support line – (24 hours a day, every day of the year)
- 0808 500 2222
The Survivors Trust (Monday – Thursday: 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-5.30pm & 6pm-8pm, Friday: 10am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-5.30pm, Saturday: 10am-1pm, Sunday: 5pm-8pm and there is a 24-hour answer machine)
- 0808 801 0818
Survivors UK (12-8pm Mon-Sun)
- Chat via SMS on 0203 322 1860
These charities will be able to provide support if you have been sexually assaulted, and can refer you to another service if you need more specialist help.
Find out more about Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week.