A SURVIVOR of rape and sexual abuse from Stratford saw her attacker brought to justice thanks to the support of a Warwick-based charity.
Safeline’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisors supported the woman throughout two trials and three years of police investigations.
With Melissa Horrocks and Louise Rooney’s help the woman supported the investigations and finally saw her attacker brought to justice – found unanimously guilty and sentenced to eight years in prison.
The duo were recently commended by Warwickshire Police for their ‘professionalism, commitment and support’.
Safeline chief executive Neil Henderson says the work of the charity and their advisors play a critical role for survivors of rape and sexual violence.
He told the Observer: “No one can begin to understand how difficult it is for a survivor to report a sexual violence crime and pursue it through the courts,
“Advisors play a vital role in giving survivors the emotional and practical support they need to report and they do it in a way that upholds their right to dignity.
“The award recognises the exceptional contribution Safeline’s advisors made to supporting a very vulnerable survivor of rape in Stratford and it is hoped that this engagement with her local community, will make it safer for other survivors to come forward.”
Over the last two years the number of men, women and children needing advisory support has more than doubled.
This increased demand has put pressure on the service, which is funded by donations.
The charity is now calling for donations to help them continue their life-changing work.
Mr Henderson added: “Safeline believes every survivor should have access to an Independent sexual violence advisor who provides them with specialist support and we are proud to say that we provide that to the people of Warwickshire.
“As a result, more and more survivors are finding the courage and confidence to report their abuse.”
Visit www.safeline.org.uk to donate or find out more about support.
