Chester vigil to take place for survivors of sexual violence

The vigil is part of a week of events held by organisations across the North West to raise awareness of sexual violence and the support services available to survivors.

The initiative, led by North West Police and Crime Commissioners, police authorities, and sexual assault and abuse services, is taking place this week, with events in Chester happening on Friday, November 12.

On Friday, from 11am-noon at Facebook Live via Cheshire Constabulary’s page, a live Q&A will take place with experts from the support services and police.

From noon to 3pm at the University of Chester, Exton Park Campus, CH1 4BJ, there will be a stalled event featuring local support services across Cheshire.

And from 8pm-9pm at Chester Cross, CH1 1NP, a vigil and moment of reflection for survivors of sexual violence. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple and bring an LED light/torch.

Other events across the North West include art installations from university students to moments of reflection, all of which aim to engage local communities and promote the support available to survivors of sexual violence. Iconic buildings such as the Blackpool Tower, Chester’s Eastgate Clock and Merseyside’s Radio City tower will all be lit up purple in solidarity for survivors of sexual violence.

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.

“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 https://sexualviolencesupport.co.uk/ that will help you find the service that is right for you.

“In addition, we have created ‘support packs’ which provide explanations of what sexual violence is, how you can seek help, how you can support others and a simplified guide on report to court.”

According to the World Health Organisation, one in three women endure physical or sexual violence and one in four adolescent girls ages 15-19 who have had a relationship have been subjected to either physical or sexual violence.

The North West Sexual Violence Awareness Week is running throughout this week.

But it is not just females who are victims. Approximately 12,000 men (aged 16-59) are raped in the UK every year and more than 70,000 are sexually abused or assaulted.

Police Crime Commissioners, police forces, local authorities, and NHS England all fund sexual violence support services.

These services may vary across localities but together they aim to offer the same level of care no matter where a survivor lives. From specialist forensic and medical sites called Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) to aftercare provisions like counselling, group therapy and Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs), these services aim to work in unison to give every victim of sexual violence the support they need.

If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual violence you can contact the police direct on 101, or in an emergency call 999.

If you do not wish to contact the police, you can self-refer to a specialist organisation directly. To find your local organisation, visit https://sexualviolencesupport.co.uk/

To join in with the campaign or find out more information, visit https://sexualviolencesupport.co.uk/campaigns/nwsvweek/ or email becky@rapecentre.org.uk.