This week (7th - 13th February) marks Sexual Violence and Sexual Abuse Awareness Week. As Norfolk's main charity offering specialist counselling support to people who have experienced sexual violence, we spoke to the EDP newspaper about our work.
Recent shocking and high-profile incidents such as the rape and murder of Sarah Everard have highlighted the UK’s growing number of sexual assault and violence cases. Figures released by police forces in England and Wales at the end of January 2022 show the highest ever number of rapes and sexual offences recorded last year.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS), shows 63,136 rapes recorded in the year to September 2021, up 13% from the previous period.
These are figures that we at Sue Lambert Trust understand only too well. Providing therapeutic counselling and support to survivors of rape, sexual violence, and sexual abuse for more than 40 years, in 2022 our charity’s services are in demand more than ever.
#ItsNotOK week aims to raise awareness of the rising levels of sexual abuse
During national Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, and under the theme #ItsNotOk, the week encourages all of us to acknowledge the rising levels of sexual abuse and the fact that, with the right help, people can recover and rebuild their lives.
So how can Sue Lambert Trust be available for more people, more quickly?
Our chief executive, Clive Evans, explains: “We need more qualified counsellors join our team of volunteers; people who can dedicate a few hours a week to deliver counselling sessions and want the professional benefits of excellent clinical supervision and comprehensive personal development opportunities.”
“We rely on funding to deliver our services. With more money, we can employ more clinical staff to see more clients, sooner.”
Could you support our clients?
Could you be a Sue Lambert Trust volunteer counsellor?
If you are a qualified or experienced counsellor and can spare a few hours every week to work with Sue Lambert Trust, please email info@suelamberttrust.org or call 01603 622406.
Thank you to the EDP for helping to open up the conversation about how many people are affected by the trauma of sexual violence and sexual abuse, and the support that exists.
Read the article in full here.
Help for sexual assault victims in Norfolk | Eastern Daily Press (edp24.co.uk)