SURVIVORS of sexual violence are being assured that support services are available to them.
The assurance comes from Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer as part of North West Sexual Violence Awareness Week.
A priority of the awareness week is to reassure survivors that they will be listened to, as well as sign posting them to the support services that are available. The campaign targets all demographics across the North West and particular activity will be aimed at ethnic minority groups, men, young people and LGBTQ+ groups.
The phrase “sexual violence” is an umbrella term that refers to crimes such as sexual abuse and assault. It refers to any unwanted sexual act or activity including rape, sexual abuse, sexual assault and sexual harassment.
Mr Dwyer said: “The messaging behind North West Sexual Violence Awareness Week is so important as nationally, sexual violence is an under-reported crime. I am pleased to see organisations come together to highlight the support available to victims in this region.
“As Police and Crime Commissioner, it is my responsibility to provide funding for victim services. My partnership with the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) and Cheshire CARES, who provide support for victims of crime is essential to ensuring that victims are helped through their recovery process.”
The North West Sexual Violence Awareness Week has a number of key objectives, including:
• Increase public insight and information on sexual violence and the support services available to survivors across the North West
• To raise awareness of sexual violence and what it is across the North West
• To raise awareness of the services available to sexual violence victims within the North West
• To ensure that each contact point for a survivor to report to is streamlined and access to information is similar
• To make the information on sexual violence services easily accessible and concise
• To educate communities of the freedom of choice when reporting a sexual offence
• To promote the inclusivity of services and that they are there for you no matter your age, gender, or ethnicity.
Mr Dwyer added: “In my Police and Crime Plan, I talk about my commitment to delivering more community-based support for victims by providing Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) schemes. ISVAs provide specialist, tailored support to survivors irrespective of whether they have reported their experience to the police.
“The awareness week provides guidance to victims, charities and organisations, ultimately unifying the response to sexual violence.”
For more information visit: www.sexualviolencesupport.co.uk
