Sexual abuse support extended

Survivors of sexual abuse and sexual violence now have more opportunities to seek support thanks to Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner David Keane.

PCC David Keane has commissioned Cheshire’s Rape and Sexual Assault Support Centre (RASASC) to extend its service to help survivors of the crimes on both evenings and weekends.

The charity, which has been working in Cheshire for a number of years, supports people who have been affected by rape or sexual violence by providing free community-based support to help them recover from their ordeal.

It offers one-to-one counselling services and support through the criminal justice process for anyone affected by sexual violence who lives in Cheshire, supporting all genders and both ongoing and historic cases.

The commissioner is highlighting the increased support the service is offering during Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week (1-7 February).

The awareness week aims to generate discussion among the public, statutory bodies and third sector organisations about how sexual abuse and sexual violence is not OK.

PCC David Keane said: “Rape and sexual assault are particularly distressing crimes and the effects can be long-lasting and require specialised support to help survivors to be able to cope and to work through to recovery.

“Sadly, the current Coronavirus restrictions mean that some survivors of sexual abuse and violence are facing the additional trauma of spending more at home with their abuser with little rest-bite from the abuse. The backlog in the courts is also compounding the situation for those whose cases are going through the judicial process.

“RASASC do a fantastic job in supporting many people in need throughout Cheshire and because of lockdown, the service needs to be more accessible than ever so I’m pleased to provide funding so it’s available seven days a week and during evenings too.

“We must use awareness weeks like this to send a message that sexual abuse and violence is not OK and will not be tolerated in Cheshire. I will also continue to ensure we have some of the best support services in place available to Cheshire residents.”

RASASC supports more than 1,000 survivors every year and many like 52-year-old Sharon* are finding the support during the pandemic invaluable.

She said:  “I’d like to thank RASASC the consistent support throughout the lockdown as being alone in my house with my young daughter has been such a challenge.

“I am so grateful that they were there to help me understand what is happening and will be going on in this never-ending system. I cannot thank them enough for being at the end of a phone for me.

“They have helped with my case, my mental health and so many issues that have cropped up during this pandemic. I will miss the contact with them.”

If you or someone who you know has experienced rape or sexual abuse, they can contact RASASC on 0330 363 0063 or refer themselves through the online referral form: https://www.rapecentre.org.uk/contactform.php