Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week 2026

This week marks Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week (2-8 February).

The national #It’sNotOK awareness campaign is bringing together partners from across the country to raise awareness of sexual abuse and violence, encouraging people to speak up and to signpost to support.

Dudley’s Community Safety Partnership are using this week as an opportunity to remind people that abuse will not be tolerated and perpetrators will be brought to justice.

Abuse of any kind can cause lasting damage to victims. Sexual abuse can cause serious physical and emotional harm to an individual and people around them. It is important we spot the signs and speak up for others when we feel something isn’t right.

Find out more and get support below.

What is sexual abuse?

Sexual abuse and violence is when someone is forced, manipulated or tricked into sexual activity. It is a crime.

The individual may not realise they have been a victim of sexual assault, violence or abuse when it is happening to them, but the emotional and physical trauma can last a lifetime.

Sexual abuse can happen to anyone at any age, from any background. Abusers can also be anyone, sometimes in positions of power or people that are trusted by the victim.

They can abuse in person or online, something which is increasing with technology.

Sexual abuse isn't just penetrative. It can include touching, kissing and oral sex.

Types of sexual abuse can be contact and non-contact.

Examples of contact abuse are sexual touching (clothed or unclothed), using an object or body part to penetrate someone, forcing someone to engage in sexual activity or making someone undress and/or touch another person.

Non-contact sexual abuse can include exposing someone to a sexual act or showing them pornography, flashing, forcing someone to make, view or share images and videos, distributing sexual images, forcing someone to touch themselves or making them take part in sexual conversations online or by phone.

How might you spot the signs of sexual abuse and sexual violence?

Sexual abuse is a hidden crime, often hidden behind a laptop screen or locked behind closed doors.

Everybody is different so sexual abuse might not be obvious from first glance.

Some people can be groomed into believing what is happening to them is normal, particularly vulnerable adults and children. They may be told that it is their fault, or no one will believe them what is happening to them, which is manipulation by their abuser.

It is important that you speak up for others when they may feel silenced themselves.

Signs can include, but are not limited to:

• A person becomes withdrawn, stops doing things that they normally enjoy

• A change in mood that is out of the ordinary eg. becoming more angry or sad

• Alcohol or drug misuse

• Self-harm

• Increased nightmares or sleep disturbances

• Avoiding being alone or frightened of one person

• Using sexual language or behaviour you wouldn’t expect to hear from them, particularly in children

• Physical signs like bruising, bleeding or discharge

• Pains or soreness in the genital area

• Sexual transmitted infections (STI)

• Unplanned pregnancy

• Difficulty walking or sitting, especially in children who have been physically abused

• Being secretive about who they are talking to online

Why don’t victims report sexual abuse?

Sexual abuse can bring feelings of fear, shame, guilt, sadness, confusion and betrayal. This can make it hard for victims to speak up about their experiences, especially when the perpetrator is someone they know.

There is no time limit on reporting sexual abuse but the sooner you report it the better, to preserve evidence. Some do not realise they have experienced abuse until later in life. Historical sexual abuse should still be reported, and there is a Public Protection Unit within West Midlands Police that specifically deals with these cases.

In the year ending March 2025, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) Crime Survey reported 900,000 people above the age of 16 had experienced sexual assault across England and Wales. Police recorded 209,079 of those, which demonstrates how unreported these crimes are.

By spreading awareness this week, Dudley Safe and Sound are reminding people that sexual abuse is not OK and support is available to anyone who needs it.

How do you report sexual abuse?

You can report sexual abuse or violence to the police by calling 101 for non-emergencies or via Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website. Remember to always dial 999 if a sexual assault has just taken place or you feel that you or someone else is in immediate danger.

Dudley Single Point of Contact (SPOC) is designed for Dudley victims of domestic and sexual violence and abuse. They can be contacted on 01384 455 411.

No one will judge you. These specialists will treat you with sensitivity and respect and will always put your health and wellbeing first.

These contacts can keep your identity anonymous and will safeguard you and your loved ones from harm.

If someone discloses sexual assault to you, you should listen to them, tell them they are not to blame and that they have done the right thing in coming to you.

You should never confront the abuser and always report it.

Learn more at the Safe & Sound Help Hub 👉 https://www.dudleysafeandsound.org/sexual-assault-and-abuse