Our Client Services Sexual violence What is sexual violence? At JWA we understand sexual violence to be any sexual act where there is no consent. Consent involves choosing to agree to a sexual act without feeling threatened or coerced, and having the freedom and capacity to make that choice. Forms of sexual violence may include: Rape Sexual Assault Assault by Penetration Child Sexual Abuse Child Sexual Exploitation Sexual Harassment Female Genital Mutilation Forced Prostitution and Trafficking Sexual Violence is defined as “any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances, or acts to traffic, or otherwise directed, against a person’s sexuality using coercion, by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim, in any setting, including but not limited to home and work” (The World Health Organisation, 2002) Impact of sexual violence: Sexual Violence can take many forms and can have a range of impacts on many aspects of your life. You may feel loss, anger, self-blame, shame, or symptoms of anxiety or trauma. You may avoid certain situations or places, you may feel like harming yourself. Whatever you feel and however you are coping is a normal reaction to an abnormal situation. You are surviving. Sometimes women reach out straightaway for support, for others when they are ‘triggered’ by an event or a smell for example, for others it takes years of building the courage. Whenever you come to us whether you experienced sexual abuse yesterday, 5 years ago or in childhood, we are here for you. Call the Jewish Women's Aid Helpline on 0808 801 0500 open Monday- Thursday 9am-9.30pm The Dina ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advocate) The Dina Counselling Service What is the Dina Service? FOR PROFESSIONALS Contact us to refer someone or to discuss your concerns about someone. Email [email protected] Phone 0808 801 0500 READ ONE WOMAN'S STORY OF HEALING AFTER RAPE (TRIGGER WARNING) Manage Cookie Preferences Chat with us, powered by LiveChat