Sexual Violence Awareness Week – my commitment as PCC

This week we are encouraged to focus on raising awareness of sexual violence - on how we can challenge and prevent sexual violence, support those who are victims and survivors and bring those to justice who commit such terrible crimes.  

As an elected Police and Crime Commissioner it is my job to ensure all of the above happens in our county 52 weeks a year –working in partnership with dedicated people from the criminal justice, local authority, probation, health, education, charity, retail and transport sector.  

I am committed to support, and where possible fund, work to prevent sexual violence. Innovative initiatives such as Businesses (and Stagecoach Buses) Against Abuse, Sexual Violence Ambassador Schemes in local schools and colleges and the development of toolkits help teachers and youth workers discuss sexual harassment – are key to moving the dial. We have to empower everyone in our communities to understand, identify and challenge sexual harassment, misogynistic language and even potential predatory behaviour when they see it. It isn’t ok to stand by and allow it to happen if you could have safely challenged or provided a safe space and called for help.   

It is my responsibility to commission countywide support services for victims and survivors of sexual violence – a role police and crime commissioners have had for more than a decade. This enables us to develop a truly local provision which seeks to enable local people to access emotional and practical support and an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser service – wherever they live in the county. There is no doubt that these services are not just changing lives, but they are saving them too. And that is something we should all commit to – not just this week but 365 days a year.   

If you live in Cambridgeshire or Peterborough and want support visit Cambs Victim Services at Victim Services | Cambridgeshire & Peterborough or Cambridge and Peterborough Rape Crisis Partnership Cambridge & Peterborough Rape Crisis Partnership – CAPRCP