Raising awareness of support services for victims of sexual abuse and violence in Harborough

Organisations are urging people in Market Harborough and throughout the district who have suffered abuse to access help, support and resources.

All of the services are available regardless of whether or not they wish to report a crime to police.

The focus for this year’s national sexual abuse and violence awareness week is ‘It’s Not OK’.

Leicestershire Police work alongside several agencies.

They include Victim First, which helps victims and witnesses of crime and support - both adults and young people.

Trade, a health charity, support the LGBT+ community with their sexual and overall health needs and concerns.

First Step works with male abuse survivors aged 13 and above.

And Quetzal offers counselling and a helpline to women who have suffered sexual abuse as a child.

Jasmine House, Leicester Rape Crisis provides specialist counselling and support for females aged 13 and above who have suffered sexual violence or assault.

United against Violence and Abuse (UAVA) operates a dedicated helpline along with specialist support.

That features access to an independent sexual violence advisor (ISVA) for males and females of any age, including children.

Juniper Lodge is a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) that offers support, forensic medical facilities and advice to anyone aged 18 and over.

Specialist staff can be contacted on 0116 273 3330 or [email protected]

A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said: “Help is available is the campaign’s key message.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, where you live, or what your needs are.

“If you choose to disclose something that has happened to you, you will be listened to, treated as an individual and will receive specific-tailored support.”

Millie Gant, manager of Juniper Lodge (SARC), said: “The SARC is a safe place where you can discuss your options with a crisis worker regardless of your gender or gender identity.

“We know there are barriers which impact on people choosing to report.

“But awareness and knowledge that they will be listened to and helped is key to what we are hoping to achieve.

“Sexual abuse and sexual violence are both sensitive topics.

“We hope that our involvement in the awareness week will encourage conversations about these difficult subjects.”

She added: “We hope anyone affected by sexual abuse or sexual violence understands how they can report these issues and know they are not alone.”

Lord Willy Bach, Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland have a vast amount of specialist services which provide emotional and practical help for victims and survivors whether they have reported their experiences to police or not.”