SEXUAL assault and abuse are the target of a joint campaign in Warwickshire and Coventry.
It aims to raise awareness of the support services across Warwickshire and Coventry with an emphasis on sexual assault and abuse. The campaign will run until March 28 and can be found using #16weeksofaction.
Coun Margaret Bell, Warwickshire County Council’s adult social care and health spokeswoman, said: “There is no place for domestic abuse and sexual violence in Warwickshire and Coventry. We stand with our colleagues in Coventry to help promote the services available to victims and to provide support and guidance throughout the 16 weeks campaign.
“Over the course of the 16 weeks, each of the local support services will take a lead on promoting what they do to get messages out to local communities. You will see the messages go out across social media channels as well as council and policing websites.
“Warwickshire and Coventry have been collaborating to improve access to services for victims and survivors of sexual assault and abuse following the NHS Strategic Direction for Sexual Assault and Abuse Services published in 2018.”
Caroline Ryder, Programme Manager for Violence Prevention in Public Health added: “We need to get the message out that help is available. We want everyone to feel confident to come forward and report crime, but understand that for some, there are barriers to reporting. You don’t have to report to access help and support though.”
Help & Advice
For anyone raped or sexually assaulted, it is important to speak to someone about the assault as soon as possible in order to get support. The Blue-Sky Centre offers free and confidential advice about next steps. They can be contacted on 0800 970 0370 or visit the website www.blueskycentre.org.uk
Victims of sexual assault or abuse in Warwickshire or Coventry can contact the police on 101 or those not wanting to report it to the police can contact Blue Sky Centre on 01926 507805 24/7 365 days per year.
Victims in Warwickshire can also access the Warwickshire Domestic Violence and Abuse Service, which can be accessed online at www.refuge.org.uk/our-work/our-services/refuge-warwickshire-domestic-violence-service/.
Victims can also contact RoSA (Rape or Sexual Assault support) on 01788 551151 or Safeline 0808 800 5008 for advice (both services are available, Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm). Support can also be accessed via the talk2someone.org.uk website.
