This is Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week, a national event that promotes dialogue and awareness across the country.
Day-in, day-out, officers from Greater Manchester Police make arrests, secure charges, and progress investigations in relation to sexual abuse and violence.
This includes working with specialist teams within the force, liaising with partners where necessary, and ensuring the appropriate safeguarding measures are in place to assist victims wherever possible.
Sexual abuse and assault can take many forms and this week stresses a very simple fact: it’s not okay and it is never the victim’s fault.
GMP stress that whether an incident happened 20 minutes or 20 years ago, those reporting will be listened to.
Officers work alongside local authorities to encourage those who are victims and survivors to seek support and speak to someone.
Speaking to one of the organisations doesn’t mean a crime has to be recorded and you will have a choice on what happens next.
You have a choice to report an incident, get help, or simply speak to someone and you will be listened to, supported, and assisted with any issues you may have. Resources of where to get help are listed at the bottom of this article.
Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week runs until Sunday, February 9.
Detective superintendent Richard Hunt, the force’s Rape and Sexual Offences lead said: “We fully recognise the difficulty for victims and survivors on speaking out and reporting crimes, and we continue to work to improve our overall service to assist those who come to us.
“We have continued to tackle all forms of sexual abuse and assault, with the last couple of years seeing further investment into the way we deal with both offenders and victims. This includes training new officers in how to specifically respond to victims of sexual offences and ensure the appropriate mechanisms in place are activated.
“This awareness week, we will keep building on the work and successes that we have achieved, with plenty more to come. We want to reiterate our commitment to helping survivors and dealing robustly with those who have inflicted crimes on them.
“If you have been a victim of a sexual offence, I would ask you to get in touch with us or a local charity, when you are comfortable to do so. We will listen to your story and do our utmost best to ensure you get the outcome you deserve.”
Support available
If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, report it to the police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also report information and crimes via www.gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
There are also lots of organisations and support agencies available across Greater Manchester and nationally that can help and provide support.
For more information and to find the support services available to you, please visit these support pages.
- St. Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.
