Thames Valley Police urging victims of sexual violence and abuse to use support services available

This week is Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week

Author: Scarlett Bawden-GaulPublished 5th Feb 2021

Thames Valley Police are highlighting victim support services available in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for the Thames Valley is supporting Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week which is taking place 1st - 7th February.

The PCC is raising awareness of the support that is available to victims of sexual abuse and violence and encouraging them to come forward for help during the national lockdown.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner manages Victims First which offers support to all victims of crime across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

The Victims First Specialist Service includes Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) who provide practical and emotional support to both male and female victims of sexual violence, who are aged 18 or over.

In addition, Victims First's Young Victims Service supports young victims of sexual abuse and violence aged between 5 and 18 across the Thames Valley.

Kathryn McLean is Manager for the Buckinghamshire area, she says all services are lead by the victim and their needs:

"When someone experiences sexual assault or violence a sense of control is taken away from them. It is really vital that a survivor can regain that power and control over their lives.

"So we need to make the service accessible regardless of how that survivor wants to proceed, whether that is by pressing charges or not.

"We do talk to them about their option of reporting the crime and going to the police. The main thing is to help them move forward with their lives either with or without the criminal justice system."

She explained that their support services which range from phone calls to in person sessions are there for the survivor as long as they need them.

The PCC has also funded three additional ISVAs within the Adult Specialist Service to work specifically with victims from BAMER (Black Asian, Minority Ethnic, Refugee) communities.

Both services can offer support regardless of when or where the crime took place, or whether or not it has been reported to the police.

Anthony Stansfeld, Police and Crime Commissioner of the Thames Valley said

"This awareness week, it's important to make people aware that support for victims of sexual abuse and violence is available, especially throughout the national lockdown when some people may be living with an abuser.

"Remember, the government's 'Stay at Home' directive doesn't apply if someone is in danger or escaping injury or abuse. Victims First has continued to provide support throughout the pandemic and I encourage anyone needing support to contact Victims First by calling 0300 1234 148 or through the website using either Live Chat or our online referral form."