PCC supports #ItsNotOK campaign in sexual abuse awareness week

Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore is supporting Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week which runs from Monday 4 until Sunday 10 February 2019. The campaign, with the hashtag #ItsNotOK, aims to raise awareness of sexual abuse and sexual violence, the support that is available and how to prevent it.

Commissioning services for victims of crime is a key part of the role of Police and Crime Commissioners.   This week, as part of the awareness campaign, Suffolk’s PCC is highlighting the work being carried out across the county to support victims.

Since becoming PCC in November 2012, Tim Passmore has allocated over £860K to organisations providing support and counselling to victims of sexual abuse in the county.   In this financial year – 2018/19 – the PCC commissioned grants worth £180K to support victims of sexual abuse. This funding is divided between Survivors in Transition, Fresh Start – new beginnings and Suffolk Rape Crisis.

Tim Passmore said “I fully support this national awareness campaign. It is crucially important that victims of sexual abuse and violence know there is always someone here to help.
“We know that sexual offences are under-reported in Suffolk, and I understand why but I am determined that we do all we can to improve this situation. We need to continue working together to ensure support is available so victims feel confident to speak out.  I am steadfast in my commitment to work with the Chief Constable and partners across the county to prevent and respond to domestic and sexual abuse.”

He added, “In the past couple of months over 100 police officers have been redeployed back into front-line policing and the recently announced council tax increase will add a further 29 officers and 24 civilian investigators to the establishment. This significant investment in front-line policing and investigators will help the Constabulary deal with these brutal crimes.
“We all need to echo the hashtag of the campaign, #ItsNotOK.”