Devon & Cornwall Police News site

Last week Devon & Cornwall Police supported the national Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week.

Alongside partner agencies in the region, the aim was to raise awareness around sexual abuse and sexual violence offences, provide information and signposting to help people, to report an incident to the police, or to find agencies who can help them understand their options and provide help relating to sexual abuse and sexual violence.

“We really want to encourage people to report any concerns they have about any recent or previous incident” said the force lead for Rape and Serious Sexual Offences, Detective Superintendent Nicky Seager.

The Ministry of Justice has this week launched a new support telephone line which offers free and confidential advice and support for survivors of sexual abuse and violence, and their families. Devon & Cornwall Police will be promoting this service alongside local support services.

One of the ways that people can get help in relation to sexual abuse or sexual violence is to contact a Sexual Assault Referral Centre or SARC.  A new centre of excellence was recently opened in Exeter by the Queen Consort and the Force has been supporting the national NHS campaign to raise awareness about these facilities.

During 2024, Devon & Cornwall Police brought a number of perpetrators of serious sexual offences to justice. These offenders have received significant custodial sentences for their crimes.

Detective Superintendent Nicky Seager, continued “Devon & Cornwall Police is working hard to continue to bring offenders to justice and we urge anyone who is a victim of this type of crime to report.

“We understand that not all incidents are reported for a variety of reasons, and that some happened many years ago. We encourage anyone to report, if not to police then to one of our partner agencies for practical steps to help them cope and recover.

“Tackling violence against women and girls and sexual offences are key priorities for the Force. We will continue to pursue people who commit this type of crime and bring them to justice.

We urge anyone who has experienced sexual abuse to seek help either via police or one of our partners, as this could protect another individual from suffering similar harm.

“It’s not ok for people to suffer in silence when it comes to sexual abuse or sexual violence.”

Advice for victims of sexual abuse or sexual violence is:

• If you've been raped or sexually assaulted, we're here for you. If you're ready to, you can report rape and sexual assault to us online. 

• If you don't want to talk to us, or if you want extra support, there are lots of people who can help. You're in control, and it's up to you who you talk to and what help you receive.  
• A Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) is a place you can go after a rape or sexual assault to get confidential medical, practical and emotional support from specialist doctors, nurses and support workers. We can refer you to a SARC or you can refer yourself without involving us at all. To find your nearest SARC click here > Find rape and sexual assault referral centres - NHS (www.nhs.uk).  

Support is available if you need help or assistance relating to sexual assault: 

For more information, help or to report please visit: www.dc.police.uk/sexual-offences

The national  24 hour support line is: 0808 500 2222 or chat online 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk

Local support agencies include:

Devon and Cornwall Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC): 0300 3034626 

National Rape Crisis Helpline: 0808 802 9999  

Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Independent Sexual Advisor Service: 03458 121212 

Victim Care Unit: 01392 475900 

Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services: 01392 204 174