Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week 2021

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Liam Goggin

Partner, Head of Abuse Claims

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More than 300 people have been arrested and over 400 children safeguarded by the National Crime Agency (NCA), as part of an operation with the police to track down the most dangerous child sex offenders in the UK.

In total, the NCA estimated that last year, there were at least 300,000 individuals posing a sexual threat to children in the UK, and warned that the Coronavirus pandemic is likely to have caused an increase in online child sex abuse.

These shocking figures remind us that there’s still a lot of work to be done to tackle abuse in the UK. And as this week is Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, we want to help raise awareness and offer our support to anyone who’s been affected by abuse or violence.

What is Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week?

Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week is a national event aimed at building awareness of and campaigning against sexual violence and abuse.

Every year, members of the public, organisations and statutory bodies help to spread the message that #ItsNotOkay to abuse and harm others. The aim is to generate discussion about this important issue and empower victims by letting them know that they’re not alone.

The week often sees a Light up the Night Survivors March take place in London, and charities such as Survivors Trust running free consent training sessions at local high schools.

How are Simpson Millar Showing Our Support?

Simpson Millar colleagues have taken on the challenge of walking, jogging or running 300km to raise £500 for Victim Support and support the vital work they do.

We’ll also be sporting our best yellow attire on Friday 5th February to support the charity's ‘Dress in Yellow Day’.

Victim Support are an independent charity who support people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. They provide free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

“We’re pleased to support Victim Support and the amazing work they do in helping victims of sexual abuse and violence rebuild their lives,” says Senior Associate Solicitor Liam Goggin.

“Around 97,000 people experience sexual violence every year and 7.5% of abused adults suffered sexual abuse under the age of 16. Often, victims struggle to access the resources and support they need and have to rely on charities for counselling and support services. This is why it’s so important to support independent charities like Victim Support so they can continue helping those who need it most.”

If you’d like to make a donation to help support sexual abuse survivors, please visit our JustGiving page.

If You Need Support

If you’ve suffered from sexual abuse or violence and you need someone to talk to, just know that you’re not alone. There are many organisations who can offer you advice and support including:

Our Abuse Solicitors can also put you in touch with a large network of support and survivor groups across England and Wales. Get in touch for free, confidential advice. 

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