Sexual assault and rape have devastating and long-lasting effects on women’s mental health. Survivors often experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), agoraphobia, panic disorders, sleep disturbances, and a deep loss of safety and trust. These impacts are not temporary for many women — they can persist for years and significantly disrupt daily life, relationships, employment, and overall wellbeing.

I am one of those women.

I was raped, and as a result, I now live with anxiety, agoraphobia, depression, and PTSD. Although the assault happened two years ago, I experienced a delayed trauma response. This led to me becoming housebound for seven months. Trauma does not always surface immediately, and when it does, it can be overwhelming and life changing.

My day-to-day life is significantly affected. Simple tasks that others take for granted, leaving the house, being in public spaces, answering the door, showering or feeling safe, can feel impossible. Every day involves managing fear, distress, and exhaustion caused by trauma. This is not just emotional pain; it is a constant mental and physical struggle that affects every aspect of life.

Despite the severity of these effects, there are currently NO dedicated rehabilitation centres in the UK specifically for women who are suffering mental health consequences due to sexual assault or rape. Survivors are often left to navigate fragmented services while in crisis.

Yes, therapy exists, but access is far from timely. In many cases, waiting lists can be as long as 55 weeks. For someone already in severe distress, this delay can be dangerous and isolating. Trauma does not pause while women wait for help.

If government-funded rehabilitation centres were available, women could receive immediate, structured, and specialised support. These centres should be women-only,  both in terms of patients and staff — to ensure safety, understanding, and comfort for survivors. A women-only environment is essential for many survivors who may feel unsafe or re traumatised in mixed-gender settings.

Such rehabilitation units would provide intensive mental health support, trauma-informed care, peer support, and a safe space to begin recovery. They would reduce isolation, speed up access to care, and help survivors rebuild their lives rather than simply survive day to day.

Women who have experienced sexual assault or rape deserve more than long waiting lists and scattered services. We deserve dedicated spaces to heal.

Women would be able to stay at the rehabilitation centre for as long as they need, whether that is a few days, several weeks, or a number of months. Recovery from trauma is not linear, and support should never be limited by arbitrary timeframes.

I am creating this petition because no woman should be left to suffer alone after experiencing such profound trauma. The UK government must recognise the urgent need for women-only rehabilitation centres for survivors of sexual assault and rape and ensure they are properly funded, accessible, and available nationwide.

So please, let’s make a real change. Let’s ensure survivors receive the care, safety, and support they deserve. Sign this petition.

Survivors deserve safety, dignity, and real support.