Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week

The third Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week takes place in the UK between 5th and 11th February 2018. Established in 2016, organisers hope that the week long spotlight, with events nationwide, will spread the message that any form of sexual abuse and violence is unacceptable.  The campaign aims to generate discussion among the general public, statutory bodies and third sector organisations about how best to tackle sexual abuse and violence.

Both Nottinghamshire Sexual Violence Support Services and Rape Crisis England & Wales have supported the awareness week from the start. By helping to promote Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week we hope to put this topic at the forefront of people’s conversations. We want everyone to know that all forms of sexual abuse and sexual violence are totally unacceptable and we also want perpetrators to know it will not be tolerated and they will face prosecution.

The theme of the week is ‘It’s Not Ok’ and individuals and organisations across the country will be getting involved with their own events and campaigns. All of the main events, discussion points and activities are being shared and followed on social media via the hashtag #itsnotok.

Given the high profile of recent campaigns such as #metoo and #timesup, the timing of this year’s Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week could not be more pertinent. Abuse is still happening. Ignorance continues. We know that these conversations need to happen all year round, but welcome the opportunity to begin that process with this awareness week.

If you’re planning an event or would simply like to voice your thoughts and ideas, please join us on Twitter at @NottsSVSS with the hashtag #itsnotok. If you’d like to talk to someone about your thoughts or experiences, our helpline is available on 0115 941 0440.