September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, with World Suicide Prevention Day marked on the 10th.
In Norfolk, as across the world, this is a time to raise awareness, encourage conversations, and share the importance of seeking and offering support. By talking about suicide openly, we can begin to break down the stigma that too often prevents people from reaching out.
At Sue Lambert Trust, we know that survivors of sexual assault can be at greater risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts. That’s why we believe that preventing sexual violence from happening and supporting those who do live with the lifelong trauma of sexual abuse and violence, plays such a vital role in suicide prevention.
Please; before reading on, if you or someone you know is going through a hard time and experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help.
- Rape Crisis: 0808 500 2222
- Survivors Trust: 0808 801 0818
- Samaritans: 116 123
- SANEline: 0300 304 7000
- National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK: 0800 689 5652
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): 0800 58 58 58
- Silence of Suicide: 0808 115 1505
- Dial 111 if you are experiencing a mental health emergency
Speaking out and accessing support
There is no single way to respond to sexual assault. The impact is different for everyone who has been a victim. But what we do know is that sexual violence and abuse can shatter lives, destroy relationships, and cause extreme mental distress, leaving people feeling that there is no way out and no hope for the future.
At Sue Lambert Trust, we support people to heal, to manage their trauma, and to start living with hope again.
Many of our clients share that they struggle with the lasting effects of trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Research from the Office for National Statistics highlights just how heavy this impact can be, showing that survivors of sexual assault in England and Wales are four times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts than those who have not faced abuse.
Male survivors of sexual abuse and violence can face additional barriers to seeking help. Fewer men disclose their experiences or access specialist support, often because of stigma and societal expectations around masculinity.
Remaining silent can intensify feelings of shame and isolation, making it harder to reach out for the help. Professional help that could reduce suicidal thoughts and support recovery.
If you have experienced sexual assault, know that support is available and you do not have to go through this alone.
How many people are living with the trauma of sexual violence?
More than many of us realise.
Sexual assault and abuse remain widespread in the UK. The government has described violence against women and girls as a national emergency, underlining the scale of the crisis.
National statistics show that one in four women have been raped or sexually assaulted, one in six children experience sexual abuse, and one in 18 men are survivors of sexual abuse.
Locally, Norfolk Constabulary has reported a 3.2% increase in sexual offences in the last 12 months compared to the previous year.
While rising reports may reflect more people finding the confidence to speak out, the figures also remind us of the urgent need for prevention, support, and cultural change.
It also reminds us that more people than ever need access to professional counselling services, like ours at Sue Lambert Trust, a place people will be heard, supported, cared for and can start to heal.
What can be done?
Tackling suicide prevention is not only about responding in moments of crisis. It also means addressing the root causes that can lead people to feel hopeless, such as sexual violence.
Prevention can take many forms, from reaching out to underrepresented communities who may face additional barriers to support, to ensuring young people receive education on consent.
Just as importantly, we need to build a culture where survivors can be confident that when they report sexual violence and abuse, they will be believed, supported, and safe.
Only by changing attitudes and behaviours across society can we reduce both sexual violence and its devastating impact on people’s mental health.
Our role
At Sue Lambert Trust, we know that prevention and support must go hand in hand.
Our outreach team works with underrepresented groups across Norfolk and delivers sessions in schools to help children and young people learn about healthy relationships and consent.
Alongside prevention, we are here for anyone affected by sexual abuse or sexual violence, whether the experience happened recently or many years ago. We offer free specialist therapy and support, creating a safe and confidential space for recovery, building resilience, helping survivors rebuild their lives.
Your support means a survivor will be heard
Talking about suicide and sexual violence can feel difficult, but your voice can make a difference.
By breaking the silence, we reduce stigma and encourage survivors to seek the help they deserve.
You can support survivors of sexual violence this Suicide Prevention Awareness Month by sharing our message, challenging harmful attitudes, and standing alongside survivors in our community.
If you are a survivor of sexual assault and live in Norfolk, Sue Lambert Trust offers free therapy and support. You can self-refer by either filling in this form or calling us on 01603 622406.
“I have been able to, for the first time, to feel free of the past and to look forward to what remains on my life. It’s not overstating that without the counselling, I would not be alive to tell my story, thank you.” Former client
To help fund our services so we can support more sexual abuse survivors, sooner, please donate.