Are You Suffering in Silence? Police Urge Victims of Sexual Abuse to Seek Help

Published On: 12 February 2025Last Updated: 12 February 2025By CornishStuff

Devon & Cornwall Police Support Awareness Week

Devon & Cornwall Police are encouraging people to report sexual abuse and sexual violence, whether recent or historic, as part of their ongoing efforts to bring offenders to justice and support survivors.

Last week, the force joined partner agencies across the region in supporting the national Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week. The campaign aimed to raise awareness, provide information, and signpost support services for those affected.

Detective Superintendent Nicky Seager, the force lead for Rape and Serious Sexual Offences, said:

“We really want to encourage people to report any concerns they have about any recent or previous incident.”

New Support Line Launched

The Ministry of Justice has launched a new support telephone line, offering free and confidential advice to survivors of sexual abuse and their families. Devon & Cornwall Police will be promoting this service alongside other local support networks.

The 24-hour national support line can be reached at 0808 500 2222 or via online chat at 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk.

Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC)

For those who need support but are unsure about involving the police, Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) provide confidential medical, practical, and emotional assistance. A new centre of excellence was recently opened in Exeter by the Queen Consort, with Devon & Cornwall Police supporting the NHS campaign to increase awareness of these services.

“We understand that not all incidents are reported for a variety of reasons, and that some happened many years ago. We encourage anyone to report, if not to police then to one of our partner agencies for practical steps to help them cope and recover.” – Nicky Seager

Anyone can find their nearest SARC through the NHS website: Find rape and sexual assault referral centres – NHS.

Offenders Brought to Justice

Throughout 2024, Devon & Cornwall Police successfully prosecuted multiple perpetrators of serious sexual offences, resulting in significant custodial sentences.

Nicky Seager reaffirmed the force’s commitment to tackling these crimes:

“Tackling violence against women and girls and sexual offences are key priorities for the Force. We will continue to pursue people who commit this type of crime and bring them to justice.”

Where to Get Help

If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, support is available. You can report directly to the police online at www.dc.police.uk/sexual-offences. If you’re not ready to speak to the police, several local and national services can provide support:

Devon and Cornwall SARC: 0300 303 4626
National Rape Crisis Helpline: 0808 802 9999
Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Independent Sexual Advisor Service: 03458 121212
Victim Care Unit: 01392 475900
Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services: 01392 204 174