Campaign Overview
North West Sexual Violence Awareness Week aims to raise awareness of sexual violence and the support services available to survivors. The initiative, led by North West Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs), police services, and sexual assault and abuse services, will take place from 3-10 November 2023.
Sexual violence is any kind of sexual activity or act (including online) that was unwanted, took place without consent or involved pressure, manipulation, intimidation, threats, deception or force.
Startling statistics reveal a concerning rise in sexual offences, yet the number of survivors reporting or seeking help remains low. Many survivors struggle with the difficult decision of whether to come forward, often driven by a fear of not being believed, fear of judgment, feeling embarrassed or humiliated, thinking that the police can’t help, or simply not knowing where to turn.
North West Sexual Violence Awareness Week is here to let survivors know that their voices matter and that help is readily available. Whether you choose to report the incident to the police or not, the power to make that decision rests firmly with you. Regardless of your choice, you have access to free counselling, compassionate support services and the option to undergo forensic medical examinations, preserving crucial evidence if needed in the future.
What’s happening?
Through our campaign we will be reaching out to communities and organisations across the North West to help us raise awareness and to signpost the much-needed commissioned services available to survivors.
