In February 2018, the Office of National Statistics estimated that in 12 months to the end of March 2017, more than 443,000 women experienced at least one form of sexual assault; involving indecent exposure or unwanted touching.

The same survey estimated that 138,000 men experienced some type of sexual assault in the past year and 646,000 have experienced some type of sexual assault since they were 16 years old.

The figures show that one in five women will experience some form of sexual violence since the age of 16 and women are nearly five times as likely to have experienced sexual assault as men. (ONS Crime Survey for England and Wales, year ending March 2016).

These figures came following a string of allegations reported against Harvey Weinstein and others, over 12 months ago. However, the crime survey identified the scale of these sexual assaults against women to have changed very little since 2005.

Findings from an ActionAid study has indicated that 2,560 young people between 14-21, in the UK, India, Brazil and Kenya, have been exposed to sexually negative or offensive attitudes in the last six months.

Girish Menon, ActionAid Chief Executive, said: “This research shines a worrying spotlight on how many young people, witness or experience sexual discrimination and harassment.

“We know from experience that misogyny is not trivial. It happens because of deep-rooted beliefs that see women and girls as worth less, that their bodies exist to exploit, and control.”

Here at Ramsdens Solicitors we are discussing and raising awareness for Sexual Abuse and Violence awareness week, #ItsNotOk2019.

To support this campaign, we are holding two coffee and cake events during the week at our Leeds and Huddersfield offices, raising support and donations for KRASACC (Kirklees and Calderdale Rape and Sexual Assault Counselling Centre) to develop strong, networking links across the local area.

Our team led by Natalie Marrison have extensive experience supporting claims for compensation of adult and child abuse. For a completely confidential discussion please contact the Ramsdens Abuse team on 0113 8871 834.