Victims of sexual abuse in Suffolk urged to seek support

Suffolk Police is marking Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week by reminding victims they are not alone

Author: Arlen JamesPublished 5th Feb 2021
Last updated 5th Feb 2021

Victims in Suffolk are being urged to seek support this Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week (1-7 February).

Suffolk Police and support providers have teamed up to call on organisations, individuals and agencies across the country to join them in saying "Suffolk says that all forms of sexual violence are not ok".

The force recognises the pandemic means women, children and men who are victims are finding it harder to get help.

While Suffolk Police has seen a notable increase in incidents, it's concerned it might be due to people not having the confidence to come forward.

DCI Barry Byford said: "Clearly, with the lockdown restrictions very much still in place, it’s vital victims realise there is help out there.

"Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week is just seven days in duration, but the physical, emotional and mental abuse victims face is much, much longer.

"In many respects, because of lockdown, it is more important than ever that people are aware of the #suffolksaysitsnotok campaign. The current situation of self-isolation can make the home even more like a prison with an abuser.

"It may also be used as a means to exert coercive control. Due to the need to self-isolate, people may not be able to see the friends and family who they normally rely on for support.

"We take all reports of sexual violence and, indeed domestic abuse, extremely seriously and we take this opportunity to reassure victims that police and partners are committed to supporting survivors across Suffolk."

Victims of abuse are being reminded that, despite the ongoing lockdown, they can leave their home to find safety with family members or trusted friends, if they can leave discretely.

Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore, added: "This pandemic is impacting on every single one of us in one way or another, but I am sadly very aware that victims of sexual abuse and violence are also facing the additional trauma of having to spend time at home with their abuser with no chance of getting out to see friends and family for support. I’m also conscious the backlog in the courts is compounding the situation for those victims whose cases are going through the judicial process.

"Regardless of the situation we are in, I want to reassure all victims that the services I commission continue to work tirelessly to support you. I provide funding to support victims of sexual abuse through Rape Crisis, Fresh Start – New beginnings and Survivors in Transition, and more recently Restitute. It is important that all victims of sexual abuse and violence know help is available whether they want to report to the police or not.

"I fully support this national awareness campaign and encourage others to do the same by adopting the colour purple during the week-long campaign and take the opportunity to talk to people about the issue.

"It is crucially important that victims of sexual abuse and violence know there is always someone here to help."

Anyone who would like to speak to someone in confidence about sexual abuse or violence can contact Suffolk Police on 101, or staff at The Ferns on 0300 1235058 or via email contact@theferns-suffolk.org.uk.

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