Sexual assault is never the victim’s fault

A UN Women UK survey published recently showed that 97% of women aged 18-24 years old have experienced sexual harassment, while 80% of women from other age groups have experienced the same in public spaces.

As a charity supporting victims of rape, sexual exploitation, sexual and domestic abuse, we’re appalled but unsurprised by these figures.

The findings have been launched in in the wake of the shocking murder of Sarah Everard, who was abducted as she walked home through London. Since then, thousands of women across the country have spoken out on social media to highlight their own experiences of sexual harassment and assault.

Jo Birch, Head of Operations at Safety Net said: “It's deeply concerning that this survey shows that the vast majority of young women in this country have experienced sexual harassment at some point in their lives. And the social media response to Sarah's murder shows that women regularly feel the need to modify their behaviour in order to get home safely.

We feel it’s really important to state that sexual harassment and sexual assault is never, ever the victim’s fault. Whilst it is understandable that women want to take steps to ensure their safety, we also need attitudes towards women to change so that they are able to live in a world free from violence and fear.

Sexual assault and abuse is sadly very prevalent in our society: 61% of our 886 client cases that we supported over the last year involved some aspect of rape, sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse or sexual exploitation. We are here for all victims - if you come come to Safety Net, you will be believed and we can help you recover from this trauma.”