Survivors of sexual violenceneed specialist support to rebuild their lives free from fear and intimidation
Over half (53%) of women in prison report having experienced emotional, physical or sexual abuse as a child, and women and girls in contact with the criminal justice system need specialist support to overcome the physical, emotional and psychological short- and long-term impact of sexual violence and exploitation.
Sexual violence and exploitation can include, but is not limited to:
- Rape
- Child sexual abuse
- Sexual assault and abuse (including be pressurised or coerced into sexual activity)
- Sexual exploitation
- Image-based sexual abuse (non-consensual creation and/or distribution of private, sexual images and videos)
- Grooming for sexual purposes
- Female genital mutilation
- Sexual harassment, both online and offline
Trauma-informed, gender-centred, culturally sensitive and responsive services for survivors of sexual violence and exploitation may include:
- Holistic support for survivors of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
- Counselling, therapeutic, emotional and practical support for victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation
- Referrals to specialist sexual violence organisations, local Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), rape crisis organisations and Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) and Young Women and Girls Advocates
- Advocacy support and care for women considering entering in, involved with or exiting sex work
SelectedSexual violence and exploitation support services
We have curated the following shortlist of women’s organisations, women’s centres and specialist women’s organisations that can offer support, advice and signposting to sexual violence and exploitation services in the UK. You can also search for sexual violence and exploitation support services near you by using our search facility