In the past week we've been focusing on sexual abuse awareness here at Nightline. This is an incredibly serious topic, and one that should not be taken lightly. (As with last week's post, if you feel that this post will be too triggering for you to read, please put your self care first and stop reading.)
According to the charity Rape Crisis England & Wales, approximately 85,000 women and 12,000 men are raped in England and WAles alone every year. These figures include assaults and attempts. 1 in 5 women aged 16-59 has experienced some sort of sexual violence since the age of 16, and yet only around 15% of those who have experienced sexual violence choose to report to the police.
Sexual abuse is not limited to rape, however. It can include things such as sexual coercion, sexual harrassment, stalking, and groping.
Some signs of sexual abuse can include:
- A change in usual behaviour for no apparent or obvious reason
- Withdrawal, choosing to spend most of their time alone
- Self-harm
- Difficulty in walking or sitting
- Overt sexual behaviour/language which is out of character
- STIs
- Frequent infections
- Severe upset or agitation when being bathed/dressed/undressed/medically examined
- Pregnancy, especially in a person unable to consent
As always, Nightline is here for you, every night of term.
Yours,
-Wendy
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