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Sexual violence cases up 27% in Lancashire, warns charity

THE number of sexual violence cases has increased by 27% in Lancashire over the past year, according to data from Victim Support released during this year's 16 Days of Activism against Gender based Violence.

The latest data from Victim Support Lancashire shows that in 2021 to 2022:-

►   The number of sexual violence referrals increased by 27% to 2,685;the highest number of referrals since the service began in 2017.

►   43% of sexual violence referrals were for rape cases; 1,161, with 283 cases involving young victims of rape aged 18 and under.

►   521 referrals were for young victims of sexual abuse.

The charity says that these rises are likely a result of increased willingness of victims to come forward, and more awareness of the help and support available.

Victim Support Lancashire's sexual violence service provides confidential, free and personalised support to help victims cope and feel safer regardless of whether they've reported to the Police. Their sexual violence services are staffed by experienced and specialist Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (IDVAs). They act as a primary contact addressing any immediate safety needs and offering practical advice, such as explaining people's rights and supporting them throughout the process of having their case heard in court.

During this year's 16 days of activism against gender based violence, Victim Support Lancashire is launching a campaign of education about consent that challenges dangerous misconceptions and aims to help tackle sexual violence head on.

Campaign posters have been displayed across Lancashire, including:- Lancaster University, with a drop in centre organised at the University of Central Lancashire offering information and resources to students.

According Victim Support Lancashire, the top 5 misconceptions about giving consent are:-

►   'We're in a relationship, I can do what I want...' - That being in a relationship gives you rights over your partner's body

►   'But the outfit said yes...' - That wearing certain clothing suggests you're consenting to sex or:- 'asking for it'

►   'They never said no though...' - The belief that just because someone does not explicitly say the word:- 'no' they are consenting to sex

►   'It took some convincing but I got a yes eventually...' - That pressuring someone to sayL0 'yes' counts as consent

►   'We did it before so what's the problem...' - That consent is permanent, and that if you've had sex together before, you don't need to receive consent again

The charity is campaigning to myth bust these harmful ideas around consent, and instead inform people that:-

►   Your partner has the right to say no to sex.

►   Clothes can't give consent.

►   Silence is not consent.

►   Consent has to be given freely and without pressure.

►   Consent isn't permanent.

Michaela Clare Addison, Senior Independent Sexual Violence Advisor at Victim Support Lancashire, said:- "All too often, we hear stories of how these myths and misconceptions are used to justify sexual violence. These dangerous falsehoods have been allowed to run rife for far too long and we need to change the narrative; fast. Increases in sexual violence referrals prove that it's more important than ever to educate about consent, and in turn prevent harmful behaviours from forming in the 1st place. We are particularly focused on educating men and boys and tackling the attitudes that underpin violence against women and girls. At the same time, it is also essential that victims themselves understand that all sexual activity without consent is sexual violence, and feel empowered to come forward for support. If you think you're a victim of sexual violence, get in contact with Lancashire Victim Services on:- 03003230085."

Victim Support also provides free confidential support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; regardless of whether someone has reported the crime to the Police, accessible via a 24/7 Supportline or live chat.