End the shame and stigma for survivors of domestic, mental, physical and sexual abuse

Abuse in all its forms is largely a silenced issue. It's estimated that up to 20% of adults have been abused at some point in their lives - yet we never hear these stories because people are too frightened or ashamed to come forwards.

Abuse survivors have to live with the trauma of abuse as though it is still happening to them in the here and now, living with a range of issues including mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and PTSD, flashbacks, trust issues, even an inability to go on and have healthy relationships. Some may develop dangerous coping mechanisms such as alcoholism and drug addiction.

Perhaps on some level, society thinks if we never discuss it, it doesn't exist.

But we do need to talk about it. We need to talk about it so that survivors can talk about it without fear and get the help they need. What has happened to them is NOT their fault, yet they are living with the repercussions and it has affected every aspect of their life.

I speak from personal experience, having been the victim of abuse myself. I never spoke out about my experiences due to fear and shame, feeling that I would be judged or treated differently if I came forward. It took me many years to get the courage to speak to someone and begin to deal with the events that had happened, and the effects they had on me and my life.

I want to remove that shame and stigma, I want us to talk openly about abuse - it happens everyday! We need to be open about it, accept it, and help survivors to come forward and get the help they need.

This petition will be delivered to:

Secretary of State for Health
Secretary of State for Justice
It will also be sent to all UK local councils, general media, medical professionals and made available to the general public.

Thank you for your support.

Useful Links

Please note that these links will take you AWAY from this petition, so please sign and share the petition before clicking the links, or bookmark this page so you can come back later.

Domestic Abuse Statistics - Living With Abuse (http://www.lwa.org.uk/understanding-abuse/statistics.htm)

Child Abuse Statistics - NSPCC (https://www.nspcc.org.uk/services-and-resources/research-and-resources/statistics/)

Statistics on childhood abuse - Office for National Statistics (https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/abuseduringchildhood/findingsfromtheyearendingmarch2016crimesurveyforenglandandwales)

Support

If you need help or support to deal with any abuse you have suffered, please visit these sites. If you are having suicidal or worrying thoughts, please call 999 or speak to The Samaritans on 116 123.

Rape Crisis (www.rapecrisis.org.uk)
Women's Aid (www.womensaid.org.uk)
Samaritans (www.samaritans.org)
National Association for People Abused in Childhood (www.napac.org.uk)