Get Informed

Definitions of Sexual Violence

It can be hard to come to terms with what happened and even harder to understand how it is defined in the law. Here are the most current definitions of sexual violence in the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Read more

The Effects of Sexual Violence

The long-term effects of sexual violence (whether that is childhood sexual abuse, sexual harassment, rape etc.) can include many emotional, psychological and physical conditions. The experience of sexual assault or abuse at any age and whether male or female can have devastating effects on every aspect of a person’s being and life – on their mind, their body, their behaviour, thoughts and feelings. Read more

About Sexual Violence & Abuse

Sexual violence and abuse is any behaviour of a sexual nature which is unwanted and takes place without consent or understanding. This includes rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, childhood sexual abuse, female genital mutilation and more. Read more

How to Support a Survivor

When someone tells you they’ve been sexually assaulted or abused, it can be a lot to handle. A supportive reaction is essential to diminish any shame or blame the survivor usually takes on after abuse. Encouraging words and phrases can avoid judgement and show support for the survivor. Read more

Latest

North West Sexual Violence Awareness Week

Organisations across the North West of England come together to raise awareness of sexual violence and the specialist support services available to survivors.
Poetry by Dave Lordan
Finding the balance: Rape and sexual abuse in the media

Television and the media can be a valuable medium for sharing stories and highlighting societal issues and events. However, with this comes a moral responsibility to support and protect those in the audience who may be personally affected by the subject being explored.
Trauma-Informed Educator (TIE) Quality Mark

A Trauma-Informed Educator (TIE) quality mark from The Survivors Trust shows that your university, college or school understands the impact of trauma and supports those who disclose harassment, abuse or bullying.

Find Specialist Support in your Area

The Survivors Trust has 120 member organisations based in the UK & Ireland which provide specialist support for women, men & children who have survived rape, sexual violence or childhood sexual abuse.
Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC)

SARCs (sexual assault referral centres) are specialist medical and forensic services for anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted. They are designed to be comfortable and multi-functional, providing private space for interviews and forensic examinations, and some may also offer sexual health and counselling services.
My Experience of EMDR & Treating Trauma

Steph talks about how Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy helped her to heal after her experience of rape.
I didn't marry a monster

Marital ‘rape’ is a hidden recurring issue which people, mostly women, are reluctant to open up about. This video created by Ola and her partner Olu highlights the taboo issue and reminds those affected that help is available.
Jessica's story

Jessica shares her story of sexual assault and rape and how she started her journey of healing.
"It'll only take ten minutes"

"For him it was just ten minutes of his life and meant nothing. For me, it has affected the rest of mine ever since." Josephine shares her story in the hopes to inspire other survivors to not be ashamed to share their story.
Who We Are

The Survivors Trust is the largest umbrella agency for specialist sexual violence support services in Europe. Our 124 agencies provide information, advice, support and therapy to over 80,000 individual survivors each year. Our services work with victims and survivors of all ages, male and female, of all forms of sexual violence, sexual abuse and sexual exploitation.
The Effects of Sexual Violence

The long-term effects of sexual violence (whether that is childhood sexual abuse, sexual harassment, rape etc.) can include many emotional, psychological and physical conditions. The experience of sexual assault or abuse at any age and whether male or female can have devastating effects on every aspect of a person’s being and life – on their mind, their body, their behaviour, thoughts and feelings.
Our Helpline

Our free, national helpline provides information, advice and emotional support to all survivors of rape, sexual abuse and violence, and childhood sexual abuse. No matter when the abuse took place, we're here to support you.
Independent Sexual Violence Adviser Practitioner Diploma Programme

Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) provide emotional support and guidance for anyone that has experienced sexual violence at any point in their lives. Our accredited training focuses on a survivor focused ethos, meaning that we train our ISVAs to have their clients needs at the centre of all of their work.