Sexual violence reports among young people nearly doubled since 2020
The numbers highlight the issue of peer-on-peer abuse
Last updated 9th Feb 2022
Reports of sexual violence among 13 to 17 year-olds in Suffolk have nearly doubled between 2020 and 2021.
A campaign by Suffolk Constabulary and a local sexual assault referral centre (SARC) is looking to highlight the issue of peer-on-peer abuse.
This abuse of children by other children can take many forms including bullying, sexual exploitation, and violence.
Online peer-on-peer abuse is any form of peer-on-peer abuse with a digital element.
This includes sexting, online abuse, coercion and exploitation, peer-on-peer grooming, threatening language the distribution of sexualised content, and harassment.
In 2020 in Suffolk there were 120 peer on peer (between 13 and 17 years old) sexual offences recorded, while in 2021 there were 211 recorded.
Specialist providers of support to victims and survivors of sexual violence across Suffolk are teaming up and calling on organisations, individuals and agencies across the county to join them in saying ‘Suffolk says that all forms of sexual violence are not ok’.
DCI Anna Edmondson said: " Child protection is everyone’s responsibility – we all have a duty of care in reporting concerns to make sure the ‘voice of the child’ is heard.
“We take all reports of sexual abuse and violence, whether it is physical or online, extremely seriously and we reassure victims that police and partners are committed to supporting survivors across Suffolk. Such peer on peer abuse is particularly challenging and we always ensure our investigations are conducted with sensitivity and empathy the right professionals with the right skills investigating such cases.
“A lot of detailed and complex preventative work is taking place to ensure children are safeguarded and we work with a number of partner agencies including the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub which involves police, county council, education and health among others to address issues of risk of harm, abuse and neglect.
“If you have concerns a child is the victim of such abuse either by an adult or another child or young person please get in touch with us – do the right thing as your intervention may be crucial.”
Suffolk police are encouraging messages on social media accounts using the hashtag #SuffolkSaysItsNotOK
Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said: “Highlighting the issue of peer on peer abuse is absolutely crucial if we are going to reduce incidents of this dreadful behaviour.
“We all have a part to play to support and educate our young people to teach them to respect themselves and each other.
“It is quite shocking to me that young people are exposed to such dreadful material and can find themselves being abused and threatened by their peers via their electronic devise. It is a very sad reflection on our society and something we all need to work together to stop. It’s not OK.”
The SARC, (Suffolk Sexual Assault Referral Centre) called The Ferns, is jointly funded by Suffolk Constabulary and NHS England and has supported over 3,500 victims since it opened in 2011.
The centre provides ongoing specialist tailored support to victims through Crisis Workers and Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs). This includes medical examinations following a recent rape or sexual assault, which can be done without any police involvement. If, at any time, a victim decides to talk to police, this can be arranged.
The Ferns also supports those who have suffered abuse in the past as well as providing impartial information to victims concerning their options, accessing health services such as sexual health screening and specialist support including counselling.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, Louise Elmy from The Ferns said:
"We feel there's a lot of work to be done here in Suffolk among young people, to help them recognise peer-on-peer abuse when it's happening to them, and to help them realise it's not okay, and that they can get some support with that".
You can find out how you can spot the signs of peer-on-peer abuse and support victims here.