Graphic which reads: Sexual Abuse &Violence
Awareness week
Graphic with text which reads: What is Sexual abuse and violence awareness week?
Sexual violence is any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, or other act directed against a person's sexuality using coercion, by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim or setting
Currently, figures demonstrate that 1 in 4 women have been raped or sexually assaulted since the age of 16
There are so many voices that go unheard and this week is aimed at amplifying them. Through this, it aims at challenging societal norms, stereotypes, and misconceptions surrounding sexual violence and abuse while providing a platform for survivors to share their stories and find support.
Graphic with text that reads: Common myths around sexual violence
1.Sex workers cannot be raped
The belief that sexual violence is simply “part of the job” is deeply harmful. No one ever deserves to face violence in their workplace.
2.If they didn’t scream, try to run away or fight back then it wasn’t sexual violence
Because of the body’s natural survival response to fear, many survivors are unable to move or speak during an assault. This is why there may be no visible injuries or signs of resistance.
3. If they’d really been raped or sexually abused then it wouldn’t have taken them so long to say something.
There are several other myths and harmful narratives about sexual violence and abuse that distort public understanding and can lead survivors to feel shame or self-blame.
graphic with text that reads: The impact of sexual violence can be long term and affect many areas of a survivor’s life.
This may include effects on:
Physical health (eg. pain, fatigue)
Mental and emotional health (eg. anxiety, depression, shame)
behaviour and habits (eg. changes in coping or routines)
job and finances (eg. difficulty concentrating)
daily routine (eg. trust, saftey, sense of control)
Everyone experiences sexual violence differently. There is no ‘right or wrong’ way to respond to sexual violence nor is there a timeline for ‘getting over’ it. Survivors deserve understanding, support and compassion.
For Sexual Violence and Abuse Awareness Week, we are raising awareness for sexual violence and abuse.
At Basis Yorkshire, we provide tailored, non-judgemental support to those affected by sexual violence whether or not it has been reported to the police.
#itsnotok #supportsexworkers