Walsall Council has marked Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week 2026, supporting the national campaign to raise awareness and highlight the support available to victims and survivors.
The awareness week, which ran from 2 to 8 February, takes place annually across the UK and focuses on challenging stigma, encouraging conversations and promoting the message that abuse and violence are never acceptable.
Working alongside partners in the Safer Walsall Partnership, the council used the week to reinforce the campaign message #ItsNotOk, while also signposting residents to local and national support services.
Councillor Adam Hicken, Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities at Walsall Council, said:
“ Sexual abuse and violence have no place in our community. Raising awareness is about breaking the silence, challenging harmful attitudes, and making it clear that survivors are believed, supported, and never to blame.
As a council, we are committed to working with partners to ensure help is available and that everyone can feel safe and respected. This commitment cannot be realised without our communities, and we will continue to build stronger partnerships with them over the coming years to challenge this behaviour and support those who are victims “
Walsall Council works with a range of organisations, including NHS services, to provide support for those affected by sexual abuse and violence.
Children and young people can be referred to the West Midlands Regional Children and Young People Sexual Assault Service, which supports individuals from birth up to 17 years old, as well as young adults aged up to 25 with complex needs.
A specialist Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), based at Darlaston Health Centre in Wednesbury, offers 24-hour support, seven days a week. The service provides medical care, practical help and emotional support, delivered by trained professionals including paediatricians, forensic nurse examiners and support workers.
The council has also highlighted some of the potential signs of abuse, which can include changes in behaviour, withdrawal, unexplained injuries, sleep difficulties and reluctance to be alone with certain individuals.
Support is available for both children and adults through a range of services. These include Walsall Council’s children’s and adult social care teams, as well as national organisations such as Childline, NSPCC, Refuge, Rape Crisis and Samaritans.
Further information about local services can be found via Walsall’s Integrated Sexual Health Service website and the Walsall Safeguarding Partnership.
Residents who may be affected, or who are concerned about someone else, are encouraged to seek support and access the services available.