GMP support North West Sexual Violence Awareness Week
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Greater Manchester Police is supporting the first North West Sexual Violence Awareness Week to help raise awareness of support services available to victims, as well as showcasing victim stories to help highlight and bring attention to the issue.
Universities within Greater Manchester, including The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University and Bolton University, have held their own events for students including exhibitions and talks centring around sexual violence to support the event that runs from 8-14 November 2021.
Police Sergeant Mike Lindup, who is part of GMPs youth engagement team who work with the universities, said: "This awareness week has been a great opportunity for local services including police to really get the message out there about all of the fantastic support services that victims of sexual abuse can access.
"Our officers have been present at the local universities today to assist in offering support and advice to anyone who needs it and I'd like to thank the organisers of this awareness week in helping us to bring to light the seriousness of this issue and how severely it can affect victim's lives.
"This type of crime will not be tolerated and I would urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse to report it. All reports received are taken extremely seriously and will be investigated."
Rebecca Williams, project lead and Sexual Violence Communications and Engagement Manager said: "This week we are encouraging people across the north west to talk openly about sexual violence and their experiences, whether that be to a friend, family or one of the specialist organisations that we work with.
"Sexual violence can happen to anyone at anytime and anywhere. You are not alone.
"Previously finding a local specialist service may have been difficult or overwhelming due to the vast amount of information online.
"Working with survivors and local organisations, we have launched a new website: www.sexualviolencesupport.co.uk that will help you find the service that is right for you."