The UK’s national week to raise awareness of sexual abuse and violence and an opportunity for any organisation and individual to engage in dialogue and take action takes place between 2nd and 8th February.
Breaking the Silence. Building Safer Futures.
Sexual abuse and sexual violence affect millions of people, across all ages, genders, backgrounds, and communities. Yet for many survivors, these experiences remain hidden — carried in silence because of fear, shame, or the belief that they won’t be believed.
Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week 2026 is a time to change that.
This week is about listening to survivors, challenging harmful attitudes, and working together to create a culture where abuse is never tolerated and support is always available.
Why this week matters
Sexual violence is not just an individual issue — it’s a societal one. It thrives in silence, stigma, and misinformation. Awareness weeks like this create space for honest conversations, education, and action.
By acknowledging the realities of sexual abuse and sexual violence, we:
- Validate survivors’ experiences
- Encourage people to seek support in their own time
- Challenge myths that excuse or minimise harm
- Promote consent, respect, and accountability
Awareness is not about reliving trauma — it’s about making change possible.
Standing with survivors
To survivors reading this:What happened to you was not your fault. You are not alone, and you deserve support, safety, and respect — whether you choose to speak out or keep your story private.
Healing looks different for everyone. There is no “right” way to recover, no deadline, and no obligation to explain yourself. Being believed and supported can make a profound difference, and we are committed to helping create spaces where that happens.
What we can all do
Ending sexual violence requires collective responsibility. This week, we invite everyone to:
- Learn about consent, boundaries, and healthy relationships
- Challenge victim-blaming language and attitudes
- Support survivor-led organisations and services
- Listen with empathy, without judgement
- Speak up when something isn’t right
Small actions — conversations, education, and allyship — can have a powerful impact.
Support is available
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse or sexual violence, confidential help is available. You deserve support, whether the experience was recent or happened long ago.
For information and support, please visit: The Survivors Trust
Helpline: 0808 801 0818