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Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week

 In Campaigns, News

Week of Action

This year’s Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week (SASVAW) runs from 3 – 9 February.  It is the chance for us to raise awareness of sexual abuse and sexual violence.  Our Week of Action, gives you a range of easy actions which added up will make a real impact!

We have suggested one action per day, but if you miss one out or want to do them in a different order, that’s okay!

We want the Week of Action to make maximum impact, so don’t forget to tag us in on your socials for extra shares!  We are @nottssvss on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

'Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week' in gold in top LH corner, against a purple background. A white circle takes up much of the page, with the Consent Coalition logo in and 'Takeover' written as if it has been stamped.
Monday
'Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week' in purple in top LH corner, against a gold background. A white cut out takes up much of the image, with the judge picked out in purple and 'New and proposed laws, an overview written in purple and black font.
Tuesday
'Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week' in gold in top LH corner, against a light purple background. A white background takes up much of the image, with an onymous-looking human cell, depicted in purple and the words 'World Cancer Day, Supporting Survivors of Sexual Violence' written in purple and black.
Wednesday
'Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week' in gold in top LH corner, against a purple background. A white background takes up much of the image, with a gold stylised star in the top RH corner, people of different backgrounds in the bottom LH and the words 'Come to our in-person event - join us for talks, wellbeing, information and crafts
Thursday
'Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week' in purple in top LH corner, against a gold background. A white cut out takes up much of the image, with a picture of a purple coat against it and the words 'Wear Purple - show your support for survivors' in purple and black.
Friday
'Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week' in gold in top LH corner, against a light purple background. A white background takes up much of the image, with the image of a city scape picked out in purple and the words 'Safe Space Notts - Making the City Safer' written in purple and black.
Saturday
'Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week' in gold in top LH corner, against a purple background. A white background takes up much of the image, with the image of a an open hand holding a heart against a purple-heart background. The words 'self-esteem boost - do something for charity' are written in black.
Sunday

Monday’s Actions – Share Messages on Consent

Today, the Consent Coalition are going to be taking over our Instagram. There has been lots happening with the Consent Coalition since their last takeover. Today, they’ll be sharing links to lots of their free and sharable resources, as well as sharing some messages on consent.

Follow us for lots of free downloads and information to help you talk about consent online, at home and in your workspace!

'Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week' in gold in top LH corner, against a purple background. A white circle takes up much of the page, with the Consent Coalition logo in and 'Takeover' written as if it has been stamped.

Tuesday’s Action – get up to date on new laws and campaigns

This year has been a bumper year for new laws, plans for legal change and campaign wins across the sector. Have a look at our overview and celebrate the wins with us, where we can continue to push for change, with links to wider information.

'Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week' in purple in top LH corner, against a gold background. A white cut out takes up much of the image, with the judge picked out in purple and 'New and proposed laws, an overview written in purple and black font.

Wednesday’s Action – get tips on how to handle intimate check-ups

We know it can be very challenging for survivors of sexual violence to attend intimate check-ups. This is especially the case when we’re thinking about smear tests or tests for prostate cancer. There are lots of things that can be done to help make the process easier, removing barriers so that you can take control of your health. Join us on our socials today and share hints and tips and for more detail, including links to downloadable content read our blog.

'Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week' in gold in top LH corner, against a light purple background. A white background takes up much of the image, with an onymous-looking human cell, depicted in purple and the words 'World Cancer Day, Supporting Survivors of Sexual Violence' written in purple and black.

Thursday’s Action – Join our in-person event!

Today, we are hosting an in-person event with Nottingham Women’s Centre.  The event is for all adults*, with women-only activities held at Nottingham Women’s Centre and mixed-gender activities at the Friends Meeting House. It is open to anyone interested in wellbeing, empowerment and support during Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week.  You are welcome to come alone or bring a friend.

There will be lots of stalls, wellbeing talks and discussions, presentations, information and activities such as Zumba and crafts.  We will also have refreshments available.

Let us know that you’re coming beforehand by booking on Eventbrite.

*The event is aimed at adults and some of the talks will be unsuitable for children. While there is no creche, there will be some activities which children might like to take part in.  Children remain the responsibility of their adult care-givers at all times.

'Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week' in gold in top LH corner, against a purple background. A white background takes up much of the image, with a gold stylised star in the top RH corner, people of different backgrounds in the bottom LH and the words 'Come to our in-person event - join us for talks, wellbeing, information and crafts

Friday’s Action – wear purple

On Friday we are asking all people to wear purple to show that you stand with victims-survivors and to help raise awareness about the week.  If you’re going to be with friends on the day, or at work, why not all get involved.  You can share your photos with us @NottsSVSS on Instagram!

Why purple?

There is no set colour for SASVAW, but we do know that purple is a colour synonymous with support services in our sector.  It is also non-gendered, which reflects the fact that anyone can be affected by sexual violence.

In colour psychology, purple speaks of harmony of the mind and emotions, mental stability and balance.  While sexual violence brings about much upset and upheaval, the fact that counselling and support helps to bring calm, balance and renewal, makes purple the ideal colour for this day.

'Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week' in purple in top LH corner, against a gold background. A white cut out takes up much of the image, with a picture of a purple coat against it and the words 'Wear Purple - show your support for survivors' in purple and black.

Saturday’s Action – Find out about the Safe Space Pledge

Nottingham is a vibrant city and we know that many people will be heading out to enjoy light-night, restaurants, pubs and clubs.

We are asking everyone going to the city to find out about the Safe Space Pledge.  Over 80 venues are signed up to the pledge, which helps to keep anyone who is vulnerable safe. Spaces offer trained staff, physical safe spaces and information on what to do if you feel unsafe, including ‘Ask for Angela.’

Check out the Safe Space Notts website for more information about the pledge and why we’re asking everyone to identify three safe spaces before they head out.  And don’t forget to get on your socials and share, share share!

An outline of Nottingham City skyline picked out in neon against the night sky. Text reads 'Safe Space Pledge - our pledge provides Nottingham venues with clear actions and commitments they can take to improve the safety of women and girls.'

Sunday’s Action – Support our work for free!

There are lots of ways that you can support Notts SVSS.  You can even use the Easy Fundraising App to get other companies to donate to us free-of-charge when doing your online shopping!  If pulling on your running shoes or oven gloves, why not set up your own sponsorship page on Just Giving? Alternatively, you could set up a on-off or regular donation or get us to be your charity for the month!

Find out how to support our work on our website, and give yourself a warm glow inside!

'Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week' in gold in top LH corner, against a purple background. A white background takes up much of the image, with the image of a an open hand holding a heart against a purple-heart background. The words 'self-esteem boost - do something for charity' are written in black.
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