Outcry Witness is a confidential, anonymous tool for adults who have experienced sexual violence and who are not yet ready to speak to the police – or are unsure whether they ever will. We encourage survivors to report to the police, especially if the incident is recent or they are still in the immediate aftermath, […]
DNA evidence confirmed Josef Fritzl as the biological father of his daughter’s children. But evidence of paternity does not, on its own, establish whether sexual activity was consensual. This distinction matters in rape cases: establishing that a sexual act occurred is not the same as establishing consent. What DNA Can (and Cannot) Tell Us DNA […]
Sexual assault affects millions of people around the world – cutting across every boundary of age, gender, race, and background. At Outcry Witness, we hold space for survivors to speak, to be heard, and to begin healing. But survivors should never have to carry the burden of recovery alone. Allies – friends, family, co-workers, partners, […]
Domestic abuse is as insidious as it is prevalent in our society. To anyone on the outside, it can be heartbreaking – and confusing – to see someone you care about stay with someone who hurts them.
If a person were to be shot or stabbed, they should not have to feel ashamed of saying so. There should be outrage, sympathy, and a demand for justice. They should not have to defend what they were wearing or why they were in that particular place at that particular time. The burden should be […]
In an age where social media platforms are central to discussions on justice, safety, and activism, we see that a troubling pattern has emerged: the censorship of words like “rape” and “sexual assault.”
Sexual assault is a pervasive issue that can occur in various contexts, each presenting its own challenges and dynamics. Understanding how sexual assault manifests in the workplace, school, and at home is crucial for creating effective prevention strategies and supporting survivors. By creating supportive environments, offering education and resources, and enforcing strict policies and laws, […]
Rape alarms, also known as personal safety alarms, are small, portable devices designed to emit a loud, piercing sound when activated. These alarms are intended to deter potential attackers and attract attention, and may provide individuals with a sense of security. However, they do not guarantee protection from an attack. The need for rape alarms […]
The definition of sexual assault in the United Kingdom is found under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. According to this legislation, sexual assault occurs when a person intentionally touches another person in a sexual manner without that person’s consent, and the perpetrator does not reasonably believe that the other person consents. The act of touching […]
In the realm of sexual assault, stealthing stands as a deeply troubling violation, often cloaked in silence and misunderstanding. Stealthing, the act of non-consensually removing a condom during sex, strips individuals of their autonomy and exposes them to physical and emotional risks. What is stealthing? Stealthing is a form of sexual violence where one partner […]