Sexual violence
How to get help and advice
- In an emergency always dial 999
- Call The Glade Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0808 178 2058 (24 hour support line) or visit The Glade's website for immediate practical advice and help.
- Call West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre on 01432 266 551 or visit West Mercia's Rape and sexual abuse website for information about how they can support you.
There is more information about sexual violence below, and the following organisations can also help and support:
- Galop works directly with LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence
- Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 802 9999 (helpline)
- Survivors UK 0203 598 3898 (office number)
- Stop It Now 0808 1000 900 helpline for child sexual abuse
What is sexual violence?
Sexual violence is any kind of sexual activity or act (including online) that was unwanted or involved one or more of the following:
- Pressure
- Manipulation
- Bullying
- Intimidation
- Threats
- Deception
- Force
In other words, any kind of sexual activity or act that took place without consent.
Sexual violence and sexual abuse can be experienced by children and adults of all genders, ages and communities and is a crime regardless of who commits it and where it takes place. This includes recent experiences of abuse in addition to historic abuse that has taken place many years ago.
Those who sexually abuse others can be acquaintances, family members, trusted individuals or strangers.
If you have been a victim of sexual violence, remember:
- Sexual violence can affect anyone
- You are not to blame
- You are not alone
- There are specialist services that can help you
Enough. Campaign to challenge violence against women and girls.
No one should have to live in fear of sexual violence - we can all do something to challenge it. View the Enough campaign to challenge violence against women and girls.
Herefordshire's Sexual Violence Strategy
Herefordshire's Sexual Violence strategy covers 2023 - 2028 and presents some key data relating to sexual violence in the county. It recognises that there is evidence as to what works to prevent sexual violence, and what works to reduce its impact once it has occurred. However, it notes that awareness of available services is variable, and that access to services can be problematic due to capacity issues.
The strategy's vision is for a county where everyone lives free of the fear, threat, or experience of sexual violence. There are three areas of focus: prioritising prevention; supporting victims and survivors and pursuing perpetrators.
White Ribbon Accreditation
We recently gained White Ribbon Accreditation. The accreditation ensures organisations take a strategic approach to ending male violence against women by engaging with men and boys, changing cultures and raising awareness.