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Mental Health

Enhancing support for survivors of sexual violence and abuse provided within integrated sexual health services

13 January 2025
Regulars
02 January 2025
Volume 34 · Issue 1

Sexual violence and abuse (SVA) are widespread public health issues that cause lasting physical and psychological harm to survivors. This article discusses service provision for SVA survivors within level 3 integrated sexual health services and explores how online resources can be improved to better support survivors. Given the under-reporting of SVA and the challenges that survivors face in accessing care, it is critical to develop digital platforms that are accessible, informative and supportive.

SVA includes rape, attempted rape, sexual harassment, trafficking for sexual exploitation and other non-consensual sexual acts (British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH), 2022; Crown Prosecution Service, 2024). There were an estimated 1.1 million incidents of sexual assault, affecting both men and women, recorded in England and Wales in 2022, with many more going unreported (Office for National Statistics (ONS), 2023). Survivors often face a range of health consequences, including unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV/AIDS, and long-term physical and mental health issues (Campbell et al, 2001).

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