Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner) David Allen spoke to one of Victim Support’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA), Katie, as part of this week’s Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week (3-9 February).
Victim Support is commissioned by David Allen, Westmorland and Furness Council, and Cumberland Council in Cumbria to provide support to those who have experienced any crime in the county and need help to cope and recover. There are three ISVA’s in Cumbria that specialise in supporting those who have experienced sexual violence helping them to: deal with their circumstances; make referrals to other agencies for support around additional issues; offer emotional support; and provide practical support throughout the criminal justice process, if the victim wishes to report to the Police.
In the last twelve months in Cumbria, the ISVA Team have received and offered support to over 900 adults in addition to providing support to domestic abuse victims that have disclosed sexual assault. Those needing support do not have to report to the Police to receive help from Victim Support.
Commissioner David Allen said: “No one should ever have to experience sexual violence. However, people across the county have suffered at the hands of others which is why it’s so important to have dedicated and passionate services that can help victims cope and recover.
“Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week is a great opportunity to raise awareness around consent and healthy relationships but to also raise awareness around services such as Victim Support and the great work Katie and her colleagues provide.
“There is no time limit on how long the ISVAs provide support – it’s all victim-lead and they will support you for as long as you need it.
“Of course, I would always encourage those who experience sexual abuse to report it to the Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. However, I understand that this isn’t the right option for everyone so please reach out to Victim Support on 0300 303 0157 or use their free 24/7 chat at www.victimsupport.org.uk/cumbria.”
Sarah Place, Senior Operations Manager at Victim Support, said: “We are incredibly proud to hold Lime Culture’s Quality Standards accreditation for our ISVA service here in Cumbria for a 4th year.
“We hope this provides additional reassurance & confidence to any victim of sexual offences, that our support is provided by a team of dedicated & passionate professionals, who are both independent from the Police & statutory agencies.
“Our support is tailored around your individual needs & client led.
“All survivors of rape and sexual assault should be able to get the help they need to empower them to move on from the impact of the crime.
“We don’t just help people who’ve recently been sexually assaulted or raped — we can support you weeks, months and years after the crime took place.
“All of our services are confidential, free and available to anyone who’s experienced sexual assault or rape.
“We can support you whether or not you have told the police or anyone else about the assault.”
For more advice and information around ISVAs, visit: https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/cumbria/help-after-sexual-violence/
If you wish to report to police you can do so online at Report a crime | Cumbria Police. You can also phone on 101. Always phone 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.