New campaign launched in memory of Hull student

The mum of murdered Hull student Libby Squire is teaming up with Humberside Police to launch a campaign on reporting non-contact sexual offences.

The 21 year old was sexually attacked and murdered in 2019 after a night out with friends.

Her killer Pawel Relowicz is serving a 27 year sentence for rape and murder.

We spoke to her mum Lisa Squire about the campaign.

She told us: "I've been talking to various people about the increase in sentences for non contact sexual offences".

"I'm setting up a community interest company so that we can do some work with students and sixth formers around safety and awareness."

"I've been really busy doing all my bits plus working and being mum to three others and a house, dog, husband."

"Anytime I go anywhere to do a talk or go to any agency I say you must report non contact sexual offences and I just keep going over and over it."

"It does feel good to try and make a difference, it's one of those things that we'll never know what difference you made."

"We'll never know how many girls and women we'll save and who don't lose their lives because of something that someone's done."

"Let's hope it does make a difference".

The campaign will run continuously and feature on digital advertising platforms, in selected venues across the region and across all Humberside Police social media channels.

Assistant Chief Constable, David Marshall, said;

“We’re incredibly proud to be teaming up with Lisa to encourage women and girls to report all non-contact sexual offences, however minor they think they might be.”

A non-contact sexual offence can be anything from unsolicited exposure to sexual situations, verbal and behavioural sexual harassment, threats, and even the unsolicited use of a person’s image in a sexual manner. While contact doesn’t always occur, the emotional impact the experience can have on a victim can affect them deeply.

Mr Marshall added;

“Some crimes were not reported until after Libby’s disappearance and they then played a crucial role in helping our investigation team to apprehend Relowicz.

“Being able to charge and imprison Relowicz gave us the much-needed time for Libby to return to her family. Without these brave disclosures, we may never have found Libby, and more importantly, brought her killer to justice.

“The more people report these crimes, the safer our streets will become. I encourage anyone, however small they think the offence might be, to report it to us. Let’s make Humberside’s streets a safer place for women and girls.”

To report a non-contact sexual offence, call the police non-emergency line, 101. If you are in immediate danger and need help, do not hesitate to call 999.

• Hull