Sexual violence comes in many different guises and, is something that is often swept under the carpet, denied, overlooked and ignored. No matter how small an instance of it is, the impact can still be severe. For different reasons, people feel uneasy about discussing this massive issue.

It can be overwhelming, and people often feel afraid or disgusted. However, we believe that to raise awareness and speak up about this monstrosity of a crime – which is far more common than people think – is to take a step in the right direction.

At present, both male and female victims/survivors often do not disclose, as they fear ridicule and feel they will not be believed. They may be in denial; scared something worse will happen. They may feel ashamed or might not even know they’ve experienced sexual violence.

For minor cases, such as unwanted sexual advances on a night out, it can be a matter of ignorance. That is to say that the other person might not fully consider their actions, so can therefore learn from their mistake.

More severe cases such as rape are frequently intentional and are about power and manipulation. In any case, coming forward and speaking up is a mountainous, and courageous step for survivors.

A reluctance to do so is what perpetrators of any kind rely on in order to carry out these terrible crimes. To reiterate, just because a case is at the lower end of the spectrum doesn’t mean it’s any more acceptable.

Fortunately, among these demons, there are also angels. Survivors often turn to sexual assault charities for help, such as SARSAS (Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support).

The more people who come forward, the more people take note. The more people who come forward, and the more we speak out, the more we expose the issue and the people responsible for the suffering.

Although our campaign aims to do this, most importantly, we want to help survivors move on. This is why we are raising money for SARSAS.

Our target is £1000 and the money we raise will be going towards the costs of an event we’re planning at The Old Market Assembly in Bristol. The first part of the fundraising is a series of challenges.

The actual event however is the second and main fundraiser, which the money we made through these challenges will help cover. Costs include, but will not be limited to, venue hire, promotion and artists.

We are planning a night of music, where bands, DJs and spoken word artists are to be expected. We will have some tactical info about sexual violence at the event in the form of stickers, pamphlets and speakers.

Since a night out is a potential breeding ground for undesired sexual occurrences, we want to provide a breeding ground for the idea that this does not have to be the case. We should tackle this in the kind of environments where it can happen in order to make people feel safer, and allow them to stand against it.

First things first though: over the next few months, Sarah Clare, Nick Bignall and Jed O’Connell will be undertaking challenges, which will be filmed.

These will involve fitness, strength, determination, endurance and a little bit of pain. The pain will be temporary, but unfortunately for survivors, the pain is permanent.

Keep an eye on this space if you want to know what will be happening and when. Also, if you want to get involved, it is never too late.