Cumbria’s police and crime commissioner is helping to raise awareness of a new digital directory aimed at helping survivors of sexual violence find support.
The sexualviolencesupport.co.uk website features a postcode search function that allows users to find local support services, and downloadable Support Packs created in collaboration with survivors.
The packs provide information for parents and carers on supporting children, how to have open conversations at home, and a simplified 15-step summary for the ‘report to court’ process.
Crime commissioner Peter McCall said the website will be a vital tool in combating sexual violence.
“I would urge anyone who has experienced any form of sexual violence to report it to the police, whether it is a recent or historic assault – but I understand that this is not an option for everyone, which is why these types of resources are so important,” he said.
“We have several organisations in Cumbria including the Bridgeway, Victim Support, Safety Net and the Birchall Trust, all of which can be found on the website.
“Anyone looking for support, please visit the website and reach out to one of these organisations – do not suffer in silence.”
Becky Johnston, sexual violence communication and engagement manager and project manager for the website said: “Until now if a survivor was to look for support online, the information can be confusing and overwhelming.
“There are loads of support organisations out there but it’s hard to know which one is specifically commissioned for the area you live in. You could contact an organisation then be referred onto another, then another – a process which when speaking to some survivors, has been described as a deterrent for seeking support.
“This new website has been built in collaboration with survivors and using their feedback to improve access to services. We really hope this site makes the process easier for survivors.”
And Detective Inspector Laura Nield of Cumbria Police also welcomed the directory.
“We hope that those who need support access it as soon as they can. But I would encourage anyone who has been victim to sexual violence to report this to police. No matter when an incident occurred, we have specialist officers who will thoroughly investigate all reports and provide you with appropriate advice and support,” she said.
If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual violence, you can contact the police on 101 or find your local specialist support service via www.sexualviolencesupport.co.uk.
In an emergency always dial 999.
Using sport to kick out child exploitation
Meanwhile, a competition has launched which aims to use the positive power of sport to raise further awareness of child exploitation.
The competition through Cumbria Safeguarding Children’s Partnership (CSCP) and the NSPCC’s ‘It’s Not OK’ campaign, focuses on a football team photo and is titled: ‘It’s Not Ok to Turn Your Back on Child Exploitation’.
The competition is being run online, supported by The Cumberland FA, Lancashire FA And Westmorland FA using two hashtags #ItsNotOktoturnyourbackonexploitation and #Itsnotok
Open to all football teams across Cumbria, entries can be submitted throughout September 2021, by posting their entry onto their social media accounts, including the competition’s hashtags in the text of the post and tagging @CumbriaPolice and @CumbriaSCP on Twitter or @CumbriaCops on Instagram.
To enter, teams will need to submit a picture of their team’s backs or turning their backs.
The photo will be a representation of them taking a stand against child exploitation by raising awareness through the competition and pledging not to turn their backs should they have concerns.
The winners will be announced via the CSCP Twitter account in October and will receive a team Nike Park VII strip sponsored by the It’s Not Ok campaign.
