Why we're supporting Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week

Between 2 and 8 February 2026 Hackney Council is supporting Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week. The campaign aims to spark a national conversation about sexual abuse and violence, spotlighting support services and amplifying the voices of survivors.

In the UK, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 18 men have experienced sexual assault since the age of 16. Hackney remains committed to a zero-tolerance approach, through our Eliminating VAWG Strategy 2025-2029, ensuring survivors are heard and supported. 

Cllr Susan Fajana-Thomas, OBE, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services, said:

"Hackney is committed to helping ensure no-one has to live with or in fear of sexual abuse or violence. It is never acceptable and will always be a priority. 

“We are making Hackney safer and a place where survivors have the confidence to come forward and have access to the support they need. 

Whether it is public space harassment, domestic abuse, or sexual exploitation, we work with our communities and faith groups to ensure everyone knows sexual violence cannot be tolerated.”

Support available

Ensuring public safety and welfare is a fundamental commitment, recognising that a night out in Hackney must be safe and secure for all patrons. Public sexual abuse and harassment in our spaces are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Research indicates that 7 out of 10 women report experiencing sexual harassment in a public setting. In response to concerns ranging from verbal harassment to serious incidents such as spiking, the Hackney Nights Program collaborates with local licensed venues to mitigate risk. Since its creation in 2019, the program has successfully delivered training to over 4,200 NTE staff in critical areas, including Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement protocols and the 'Ask for Angela' safety initiative.

The Hackney Nights Team strategically deploys Welfare Areas in key high-traffic locations across Hackney, including Shoreditch, Dalston, Stoke Newington, and Hackney Central. These visible, multi-agency presences involve integrated teams of police, enforcement officers, medical personnel, and other key stakeholders. This initiative serves to reinforce awareness of the 'Ask for Angela' scheme, provide immediate medical and welfare support, and distribute essential safety resources, such as water, snacks, personal panic alarms, and property marking kits, promoting a safer night-time environment. See how we’re making nights safer at hackneynights.co.uk

We recognise systemic barriers and a lack of culturally specific support can make it harder for some survivors to seek help. ONS data shows 6.3 million women have been raped or assaulted since age 16. Survivors from minority backgrounds often face additional hurdles in the justice system. Hackney works with specialist partners to provide culturally tailored support. Find a service that understands you: hackney.gov.uk/domestic-abuse-support

Young People’s safety online is just as important as their safety offline. Nationally 9 in 10 girls and young women report that sexist name-calling or being sent unwanted sexual images happens to them or their peers. This is not "just a joke"—it is sexual harassment. Sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent is a crime that causes deep psychological harm. Consent is mandatory, online and offline.

This is why our new Eliminating VAWG Strategy 2025-2029 makes it a priority to challenge misogynistic culture at its roots. We are supporting education settings to challenge misogyny at a "whole school" level and through individual work with young people. 

Discrimination should never be a barrier to justice. We know that survivors in the LGBTQ+ community often face higher rates of targeted harassment. 1 in 18 men have experienced sexual assault since age 16. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, the fear of not being understood can stop you from coming forward.

Hackney provides specialised 1-to-1 help for those in LGBTQ+ relationships. You are not alone. Visit hackney.gov.uk/domestic-abuse-support.

All faiths should offer sanctuaries of safety and respect. We encourage all faith communities to stand united against sexual violence. We are committed to supporting faith leaders in developing professional practices that safeguard their congregations. For more information on how we work in partnership with our faith communities visit: https://hackney.gov.uk/faiths-network