It's unbelievable, and physically sickening how many people are unaware of what constitutes sexual abuse and violence. So much stigma is attached to rape victims and it is more often than not the victim that is blamed. Too many campaigns focus on how "not to get raped" when the message should be "NOT to rape". It is NEVER the victims fault and this issue could be addressed to a greater extent by teaching children of an early age, and reinforcing the message throughout their education. This could ultimately, reduce the amount of sexual violence that occurs in the UK, and make it less of a "taboo" subject.

The huge misunderstanding of what sexual assault/violence actually is makes it easier for it to be committed, and makes it even harder for those of us that have gone through it to talk to anyone about it, let alone report it to the police. Research published by The Independent in 2012 estimated that over 80% of rapes in the UK are never reported, and there's no wonder. More needs to be done to address the issue, and the education system presents a huge opportunity for change.

Teaching people about consent could not only reduce the amount of these horrific and traumatic crimes, but could make it easier for victims to speak about it, and therefore aiding their recovery. Rape has been referred to as "the silent shame" and it needs to change. Feeling physically unable to talk about it due to the societal stigma and misunderstanding dramatically hinders a survivors recovery. 

These are life changing, and devastating crimes. It's about time we made a difference.