Liverpool Community Health (LCH) NHS Trust’s Sexual Health Services are raising awareness of the local support they are offer to victims of abuse during Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week (from 6 - 12 February).

The annual awareness week aims to highlight the issue of sexual abuse and sexual violence, reinforcing the important message that any form of sexual abuse and sexual violence should not be tolerated.

Nearly half a million adults report being sexually assaulted in England and Wales each year, but real figures could be much higher, since many more instances go unreported.

SafePlace, Merseyside’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) provides free confidential support and advice to anyone in Merseyside affected by sexual abuse or sexual violence.

Throughout the week the Safe Place team will be encouraging anyone who has been the victim of sexual abuse or sexual violence either recently, or at any time in the past, to come forwards to ask for free and confidential help and support.

The team will also be participating in online conversations to help raise awareness of the issue and also signpost victims and survivors to where they can find support, using the hashtag #itsnotok on social media.

You can follow the service on twitter @SafePlaceMside and join in the conversation by using the hashtag #itsnotok.

Shelly Stoops, Service Manager of Safe Place Merseyside said: “We are very proud to be supporting Sexual Abuse and Violence Awareness Week 2017. For too long, sexual abuse and violence has been a taboo subject, but it can affect anyone and we need to collectively step up and say #itsnotok and to help victims break the silence around their abuse.

“We would also encourage anyone on Merseyside who has been the victim of sexual abuse or sexual violence either recently or at any time in the past to get in touch with SAFE Place. Our team of highly trained health professionals can offer free and confidential help and advice, 24 hours a day, 365 day a year. You don’t have to have involvement with the police if you choose not to, and our specially trained team can talk you through your options and choices.”

For more information about Safe Place Merseyside please visit: www.safeplacemerseyside.org.uk or you can call Safe Place’s helpline which is open 24 hours a day on 0151 295 3550.