Advocating for victim-survivors of sexual abuse - sexual violence and abuse awareness week 2025

According to the 2021 census, there are more than 135,000 survivors of sexual abuse from Warwickshire. Nationally, it is estimated one in six children have been sexually abused.

This week is Sexual Violence and Abuse Awareness Week, and we have joined forces with local charities who support survivors of domestic abuse to highlight the plight of these survivors, highlight the support available and show what we are doing to tackle this type of abuse.

Safeline is a specialist charity that works to prevent sexual abuse and support those affected to cope and recover. Their data shows that on average it takes female survivors 12 years to seek support, and males 22 years. Many live with the memory and effects of the abuse for their entire lifetime. It took one man 86 years to first speak out about the abuse he experienced, and he chose Safeline for support.

Detective Chief Inspector Martyn Kendall from Warwickshire Police said: “During this week we remind victims of sexual offences that they are not alone. As police officers we are here to help, but if you are not ready to talk to us there is a range of other support available.

“It is also a week where we seek to change attitudes to sexual violence and encourage people to call out sexual harassment, abuse and violence, and other inappropriate attitudes towards women. The more this happens, the safer our communities become.”

Neil Henderson, CEO of Safeline: “Every day, just when I think I’ve heard everything that can happen to victims and survivors, new horrific insights into the level and severity of abuse in the Warwickshire community emerge, that make me more determined to fight on behalf of survivors.”

Julie Bettelley, CEO of RoSA: “As Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week approaches, RoSA is committed to shining a light on the support available for survivors of rape, sexual abuse, sexual violence, and child sexual exploitation (CSE) in Warwickshire. This week serves as a crucial reminder that no survivor should face their journey alone. Support is available, and help is here.”

Cllr Andy Crump, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety at Warwickshire County Council said: "To highlight Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Week we have once again joined up with specialist services across the county to provide support and guidance through a social media campaign. Warwickshire services are dedicated to helping victim-survivors of sexual abuse/violence, so please do contact them, so they can help you. You Are Not Alone."

Follow our Facebook page this week for examples of what we're doing to tackle this type of violence and the support available.

For more information on the support available to surviviors of sexual abuse: Rape and sexual assault | Warwickshire Police 

 

Safeline

Safeline offers free, independent and confidential support services for anyone affected by or at risk of sexual abuse. All their services are externally accredited, specialist and tailored to the individual.

Get help: 

• Safeline Services: www.safeline.org.uk
• Warwickshire & Coventry Helpline: 0808 800 5008
• National Male Survivor Helpline: 0808 800 5005