RAPE, sexual abuse and domestic violence — it's never the victim's fault.
This message is being shouted loud and clear as the White Ribbon Campaign continues.
The campaign, also known as the 16 Days of Action, highlights how widespread sexual violence and domestic abuse is for women and girls around the UK and beyond until December 10.
West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre worked with 921 clients throughout the county in 2015, including Redditch and Bromsgrove, and the charity's chief executive officer, Jocelyn Anderson said the blame must always be with the perpetrator of abuse.
She said: "Everyone is an individual and will have individual experiences, for some this may be a ‘one off’ sexual assault and for others it may be a whole life time of abuse — whatever has happened, the blame and responsibility for any form of sexual violence has to sit with the perpetrator, never with the victim."
Martin Lakeman, from the Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence, said: “During the 16 Days of Action we are keen to promote the help and advice that is available in Worcestershire. Nobody should suffer in silence.”
If you're in need of help and support either call the Worcestershire 24 hour domestic abuse helpline on 0800 980 3331 (for both men and women) or 01905 724514.
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