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