Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week (running from February 1 to February 7) aims to get people talking about these serious issues – with this year’s theme being ‘It’s not OK’.

Whether you have experienced sexual abuse or violence yourself, are worried about someone else, or simply want to join the conversation, it can be hard to know where to start.

Here, experts offer their advice on are six ways you can help.

1. Educate yourself

“Abuse is never OK, in any forms, and it’s important to understand the different types and how they are defined so you can recognise them if they happen to you,” says Gillian Myhill, sex and relationships expert and founder of BARE Dating.

“Some types of abuse are less distinct and many people go through years without the knowledge that they are living in a damaging or dangerous situation.”

Some types of abuse are more subtle than others, so being aware of the different signs can help, whether it’s in your relationship or giving advice to a friend or family member.

“It can be as simple as a man simply making a woman feel negative towards contraception, such as guilt tripping them into having sex without a condom. Or maybe even lying about a vasectomy,” says Myhill.

For more information, she recommends the Women’s Aid Am I in an abusive relationship? questionnaire or Relate’s list of What is emotional abuse?

2. Listen to your instincts

“We don’t like to admit it, but we all have a sixth sense and it works at warp speed when we realise something isn’t quite right,” says domestic violence lawyer Paula Rhone-Adrien, aka FamilyLawGuruUK on Instagram.

“Don’t ignore it and definitely don’t assume that someone else will deal with it.”

That doesn’t mean, however, you should immediately confront a person if you believe they are experiencing sexual abuse or violence.

Rhone-Adrien says: “You could discuss your concerns privately with a trained person who can guide you regarding the best steps to take to assist the person in need.”

3. Don’t let shame stop you reaching out

Sometimes, people with the best intentions don’t reach out to someone in need because they sense the person’s shame or embarrassment.

“The toxic trio of abuse, shame and fear will only be overcome once you are prepared to offer your helping hand,” Rhone-Adrien says.

“For example, slipping a helpline number into a top desk drawer, perhaps asking HR to run a course on domestic abuse for the entire office, or maybe simply making a point of letting the person you are concerned about know that you are always available to talk, no matter what.”

4. Don’t Judge

If someone reaches out to you for help, remember that “this isn’t your life and the circumstances that this person may have found themselves in was not somewhere they had ever desired to be,” says Rhone-Adrien.

It’s crucial not to judge them or ask ‘Why don’t you just leave?’ – the answer to that question may be very complicated.

“Try not to assume what they need, instead ask how you can best support them during this time,” says Myhill. “Some victims of abuse may want life to go on as normal whilst they deal with their trauma, whilst others might need you to spend more time with them, or help them with day-to-day tasks.”

5. Spread the word

“Aside from talking to friends about sexual abuse and coercion, it is also helpful to spread the word about it via social media and other online platforms,” says Myhill. You never know who might see your post at just the right time.

“By sharing information on Instagram stories, or retweeting posts about the signs of abuse, the more normalised and less shameful these topics become.”

6. Seek out resources

“There are a number of online resources that can assist with this topic. And remember, you do not have to be the survivor of abuse to make contact – they are always happy to help those either calling on behalf of the survivor or those seeking information on how to assist someone they think is in need,” says Rhone-Adrien.

“Local resources also identify the more realistic options for help available in the community and can be more focused at identifying the help that will meet your/the survivor’s specific need.”

For more information and support, visit the  website of Women’s Aid (womensaid.org.uk) or call the Freephone 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, run by Women’s Aid in partnership with Refuge, on 0808 2000 247.

Mankind runs a helpline for male victims of domestic abuse, call 01823 334 244.

Galop, the LGBTQ+ anti-violence charity, runs a helpline, call 0800 999 5428.