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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. Even more bewildering is when they defend their abuser, make excuses for them, or seem to protect 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: restrictions on legitimate content about rape and sexual assault. Meta’s Oversight Board has documented cases in which posts condemning sexual violence were wrongly removed, then restored with sensitive-content warnings that automatically

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

Sexual assault is a pervasive issue that affects all segments of society, but the LGBT+ community faces unique and often underreported challenges. Understanding the magnitude and nuances of this crisis is crucial for fostering a supportive environment where survivors can seek justice and healing. Statistics reveal a disturbing reality. Stonewall’s 2017 report on hate crime

Drink spiking, the act of adding drugs or alcohol to someone’s drink without their knowledge or consent, can be used to facilitate sexual assault. Drink spiking and sexual assault represent a vile intersection of predatory behaviour and profound human vulnerability. Understanding drink spiking Drink spiking is not a new phenomenon. It can involve adding alcohol,

As National Fragrance Week comes to an end, we want to invite you to look at our senses from a different perspective – the relationship between our senses and memory. While fragrances often evoke nostalgia or pleasant memories, for survivors of sexual assault, sensory triggers can be profound and distressing. Understanding how the senses intertwine with

Sexual assault is a heinous crime that not only inflicts physical harm but leaves lasting emotional scars on its victims. Unfortunately, society often perpetuates harmful clichés and stereotypes surrounding survivors, further exacerbating the challenges they face. In this article, we aim to shed light on the clichés victims of sexual assault have to contend with

Supporting a friend who has experienced sexual abuse can be a challenging but vital role. Your presence, empathy, and understanding can make a significant difference in their healing journey. It’s important to approach this situation with sensitivity, respect, and an open heart. Additionally, if you’ve experienced sexual abuse yourself, it’s crucial to manage your own

In the realm of sexual assault discourse, the experiences of male survivors have often been overshadowed by prevailing stereotypes and misconceptions. The stigma surrounding male sexual assault survivors is a barrier that prevents many from seeking help, sharing their stories, and finding the support they deserve. And before we go any further, here is a

Sexual assault is a heinous crime that can leave deep scars on its victims, affecting their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. The Sexual Offences Act 2003 is a crucial piece of legislation that defines sexual offences in England and Wales and provides a framework for holding perpetrators accountable. Separately, survivors can report rape and serious