April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, supporting survivors, and promoting conversations around consent, safety, and access to care. This year, 7th April serves as a key action day, an opportunity for individuals, communities, and services across London to come together, show support, and take meaningful steps toward change.
We should remember that sexual assault can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Its impact is often profound, influencing both physical and emotional wellbeing and access to compassionate, confidential, and timely support is essential. Services across London continue to evolve to ensure that those affected can access help in ways that feel safe and easy to access.
At the London Sexual Health Programme, we recognise that reaching out for support can feel overwhelming. That’s why our digital sexual health service, SHL.UK, is designed to offer discreet and convenient care. Alongside testing and treatment services, we are proud to provide access to a dedicated Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advisor (IDSVA) specifically linked to our e-service.
This dedicated IDSVA plays a crucial role in supporting individuals who disclose experiences of sexual violence through SHL.UK. They offer specialist guidance, emotional support, and help navigating options. These could include reporting to the police, accessing counselling, or connecting with other support services. Importantly, this support is survivor-led, meaning individuals are empowered to make informed choices about what happens next.
As we mark the action day on 7th April, we encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on how we can collectively create safer environments. This might mean educating ourselves and others about consent, challenging harmful behaviours, or simply checking in with friends and loved ones.
For those who may need support, please know that you are not alone. Services like SHL.UK are here to provide not only sexual health care, but also pathways to specialist support in a way that respects your privacy and autonomy.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month is not only about raising awareness, it’s about taking action. Together, we can help break stigma, support survivors, and build a culture where everyone feels safe, heard, and respected.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by Sexual Assault there are some brilliant organisations that can offer support:
Support resources for survivors of sexual harassment and assault | Good Law Project