Suffolk Constabulary is supporting Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week.

The national campaign runs from today, Monday 5 February, to Sunday 11 February and aims to encourage conversations about sexual abuse for victims and survivors, their families and friends, and highlight the range of support available across the county.

Sexual abuse can be anything from street harassment, up-skirting, voyeurism and indecent exposure to sexual assault and rape; it can also occur online.

A public engagement 'It's Not Ok' event is taking place on Friday, 9 February, at the University of Suffolk in Ipswich, where Suffolk police will join specialist providers, of support to victims and survivors of sexual violence to offer advice and information.

Event to be held at University of Suffolk

Detective Superintendent Nicola Wallace said: "We don't underestimate the courage it takes for a victim of sexual abuse or sexual violence to come forward and seek help. If you are someone who has been affected by such an incident, please be reassured that we have specially trained officers who are ready to listen. We take all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously and are absolutely committed to providing the best possible service to victims of sexual assault.

"We continuously review our processes and deliver regular training to our officers that provide them with the understanding to maximise investigative opportunities to bring offenders to justice and ensure victims are safe."

Last year Suffolk Constabulary signed up to be part of Operation Soteria, which is building on national collaboration between academics, investigators and the CPS to develop a new operating model that improves the investigation and prosecution of sexual violence and sexual abuse cases. It aims to identify good practice in the way police forces manage serious sexual offences investigations and enhance the support to victims.

Suffolk also has a dedicated sexual assault referral centre (SARC), known as The Ferns, which provides 24-hour 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. ISVAs will also provide information on other services the person may require including health and social care, housing, or benefits.

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 [email protected].

Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said: "Increasing awareness of the issue of sexual abuse and violence is absolutely crucial if we are going to reduce incidents of this repugnant behaviour.

"We all have a part to play to support victims and we need to make sure support is easily accessible and avenues for reporting are clear.

"It is really sad that anyone should be subjected to any form of abuse. It is a very poor reflection on our society and something we all need to work together on to eliminate. We need to send out a very clear message that 'Suffolk says that all forms of sexual violence are not ok."

Further information, support and advice:

The Ferns – Suffolk Sexual Assault Referral Centre – https://www.theferns-suffolk.org.uk

Survivors in Transition - Specialist support in Suffolk for female and male survivors of childhood sexual abuse, violence and exploitation - www.survivorsintransition.co.uk

Suffolk Rape Crisis - Support service open to females aged 14 or above who needs support following a rape or sexual assault – www.suffolkrapecrisis.org.uk

Brave Futures - https://bravefutures.org - a therapeutic service for children and young people up to 21 years who have reported being sexually abused and to offer support for their families.