Rape Crisis England & Wales

Sibling sexual abuse is considered to be one of the most common forms of child sexual abuse within the family setting in the UK, but it is often played down or ignored. Our member centre Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support has developed a new website to provide resources and a community forum for adult survivors of sibling sexual abuse. Visit the website here: https://lnkd.in/e5B-8Suy

Language matters. Describing sexual violence or abuse as 'sex' is inaccurate. It normalises sexual violence and abuse and minimises the impact it has on survivors. It's important to call it out when we see this happening, for example, in news articles that use terms like 'child sex' or 'non-consensual sex' when they mean 'child sexual abuse' or 'rape'. In the same way that we would say ‘drowning’ rather than ‘swimming without breathing’, we say ‘rape’ rather than ‘sex without consent’. If you have experienced rape or sexual violence of any kind – whether it was recently or a long time ago – we are here for you. To get in touch or find support resources, visit: https://ow.ly/jO6M50Tgtvw

Many people don't realise the prevalence of sexual violence. It's something that we tend to not talk about as a society - perhaps out of fear, embarrassment, or to avoid uncomfortable conversations. But it's important to show how many people are impacted by sexual violence so that we can highlight the scale of the issue and tackle it. The fact that so many women and girls have been impacted by rape or sexual assault is why we fight against rape culture and work to ensure victims and survivors have access to specialist support. If you have been affected by rape, sexual assault, or any form of sexual violence and abuse, we are here for you. For support information and resources, visit: https://ow.ly/Rq0750T8MNj

Our 24/7 Support Line website now has information in 18 more languages, including answers to frequently asked questions about the Support Line, information about sexual violence and abuse and information about grounding exercises. To access information in more languages, visit: https://ow.ly/hfQF50T7pUV

Our 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line will be running as usual over the bank holiday weekend - it's open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.   Our Support Line is for anyone aged 16+ in England and Wales who has been affected by any form of sexual violence or abuse, at any point in their life. This includes people who have experienced sexual violence or abuse themselves, as well as their friends, family or anyone else who is trying to support them.   To find out more about the 24/7 Support Line or get in touch, visit: https://ow.ly/v6KF50T4W0O

Not everyone finds the same experiences traumatic. And not everyone's mind and body responds to trauma in the same way. Some people experience the effects of trauma soon after the traumatic event. But others might not experience them until a long time after. It’s really important to remember that everyone responds differently to sexual violence and abuse – so whatever someone feels is a valid response. If you've been impacted by rape, sexual abuse, or any form of sexual violence - we are here for you. For support information and resources, visit our website: https://ow.ly/pAIQ50T1SvQ

We are part of a wider Rape Crisis movement that does not see male violence against women and girls as inevitable. That's why we're fighting for a future where all women and girls live safely, freely and with dignity. Sign up to the Rape Crisis England & Wales newsletter and become part of a movement that's changing the world. Join our community: https://ow.ly/YtjM50SZlhM

Are you looking for a job that makes a difference? Join our feminist team at Rape Crisis England & Wales! As our new Delivery Officer, you will support the smooth running of the 24/7 Support Line and ensure we are delivering the best possible service for survivors of sexual violence and abuse. For more information and to apply visit: https://ow.ly/tU3N50SZ6WP

Are you a VAWG sector freelancer looking for an exciting opportunity? We are recruiting four Independent Quality Assessors to conduct site visits with our member centres as part of the Professional Approval Process for our Rape Crisis National Service Standards. The closing date for expressions of interest is 12 noon on Monday 12 August. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from women living in the North West and North East of England. For more information and to apply, visit: https://ow.ly/Scf250SPQXv

We know that the recent news coverage about sexual violence and abuse in sporting and the media has been deeply upsetting and might be particularly distressing for victims and survivors and their families. Please remember that it's natural and understandable if you have been upset or triggered by what you may have read, heard or seen. If you have been struggling, please know that you are not alone and that we are here for you. We have lots of information and support on our website that might help, such as self-help tools and grounding exercises. Visit our website: https://ow.ly/woQ850SOWw3 If you want to talk to someone, you can also get in touch via our 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line. Visit our Support Line website: https://ow.ly/EiqW50SOWw4