Vigil honours victims of sexual violence in Sussex
People are being urged to seek support
Last updated 20th May 2022
A vigil has taken place in Chichester to honour survivors of sexual violence.
People marched from the Market Cross in the city centre to Priory Park on Friday.
An average of six women are raped or sexually abused in Sussex every day, according to the Chichester-based charity Lifecentre.
The organisation supports people who have had an unwanted sexual experience.
Kathryn Slatter, CEO of Lifecentre said: "The six-minute silence symbolises the six women who are raped and sexually abused every day across Sussex.
"We realise that it may seem a long time but imagine silently carrying around the trauma of rape or sexual abuse for a six-days, months, years, or in some cases a lifetime.
"Rape and sexual abuse affect all genders and we want people to feel they can talk about their experiences.
"Survivors have nothing to be ashamed about. They deserve to be heard, and to get the help they need to begin the recovery process."
Lifecentre has offices in Chichester, Worthing, and Crawley - freephone helpline 0808 802 0808 and text helpline on 07717 989 022.