Sexual violence referrals rise sharply in parts of Suffolk as ‘It’s Not OK’ Week begins
Demand for specialist sexual violence support services is rising sharply across parts of Suffolk, with some areas seeing increases of up to 36%, according to local charities.
Demand for specialist sexual violence support services is rising sharply across parts of Suffolk, with some areas seeing increases of up to 36%, according to local charities.
The figures come as It’s Not OK Week 2026 begins, a national campaign aimed at raising awareness of sexual violence and ensuring victims and survivors know where to access help.
Brave Futures, a charity supporting children and young people affected by sexual abuse across Suffolk and Norfolk, says the rise in referrals reflects growing need and increasing awareness, but also highlights the pressure facing specialist services.
Hannah Walker, Engagement and Fundraising Manager at Brave Futures, said the increase was not uniform across the county but remained deeply concerning.
“That 36% increase isn’t across the whole of Suffolk, it’s in some specific areas,” she said.
“But nonetheless, it’s still a really high rise in demand.”
She said the growing number of referrals is emotionally challenging for those working in the sector.
“I feel oddly sad,” she said.
“I don’t want children and young people to need our service. I don’t want there to be such a level of harm happening, but if it is happening, they should have timely access to the right support.”
What is 'It's Not Ok Week"?
Nationally, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 20 men will experience sexual assault in their lifetime, yet many delay seeking help. It’s Not OK Week aims to make support clearer, faster and centred on survivor choice.
This week is designed to break the silence around sexual violence, encourage conversations, and make support services more visible. Locally, Brave Futures is working alongside organisations including Survivors in Transition, Restitute, IRIS and The Ferns, supported by the Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner and the Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board.
Kate Grimwood, Operations Manager at Brave Futures, said:
“With demand rising across Suffolk, it’s vital that services work together so survivors can access the right support quickly and in a way that puts them in control.”
This week, Hannah from Brave Futures and Emma from Survivors in Transition are hitting the road. Starting Monday, they’ll be visiting colleges, frontline services, businesses and community groups, sharing vital information and building stronger pathways to show a joined-up, countywide response.
Sexual abuse often stays hidden and unspoken. Suffolk will not stay silent. Support must be visible. Survivors must be believed.
Ms Walker said the campaign week often has a powerful impact on survivors.
“We know that victims and survivors feel really seen during this week,” she said.
“They’re often surprised by the conversations people are willing to have, and it changes their perspective when they realise how many people genuinely care.”
Raising awareness
She added that raising awareness also plays a role in prevention.
“I hope that on the other side of this, those who might have the potential to commit these crimes realise that it’s an unsafe landscape for them,” she said.
“People are talking about it. People are learning. And that increases the risk for perpetrators.”
Brave Futures supports children and young people who have experienced sexual abuse, including those whose cases do not proceed through the criminal justice system.
Ms Walker said many children are left without specialist help after police investigations end.
“A significant number of children receive what’s called ‘no further action’,” she said.
“They may get a letter saying they’re believed, but there isn’t enough evidence to proceed,and then that’s it.”
She said that without specialist services, children would be expected to return to everyday life without targeted trauma support.
“Their whole world has been tipped upside down,” she said.
“And they’re expected to just go back to school, back to life, and piece it together themselves.”
While some children may be referred to general mental health services, Ms Walker said those teams are not specialists in sexual trauma.
“They’ll tell you themselves that they’re not specialists in child sexual abuse,” she said.
“And private therapy simply isn’t an option for most families.”
Ms Walker said Suffolk and Norfolk are unusual in having an all-ages specialist sexual abuse service, describing it as both vital and troubling.
“It’s an odd thing to say, but Suffolk is lucky to have us,” she said.
“And I don’t believe it should have to be that way."
"Hannah Walker said victims and survivors should never feel shame for what has happened to them, stressing that responsibility always lies with the perpetrator.
She said: “If a child or young person has experienced sexual abuse, their whole world can be turned upside down. They’re often expected to just carry on, go back to school, back to life, while carrying huge trauma. They need to be believed, supported and given the right help, not made to feel like this is something they should be ashamed of.”
"I’ll turn that sadness and fear into something positive"
During It’s Not OK Week, staff from Brave Futures and Survivors in Transition are visiting colleges, frontline services, businesses and community groups to share information and strengthen referral pathways.
Ms Walker said despite the challenges, rising awareness motivates her work.
“I’ll turn that sadness and fear into something positive,” she said.
“It motivates me to have the right conversations and make sure children and young people get everything they need.”
Support and information are available through local specialist services.