Wrexham Community Safety Partnership has agreed a sexual violence action plan for 2009-2011 which outlines work to tackle young people’s experience of sexual violence.
During the last 12 months North Wales Police eastern division have received reports of 183 female victims of rape/sexual violence. 29.5% of these victims are between 13 to 16 years.
The Inspire Project in Wrexham has reported that of the young people referred to them between February 2007 and February 2009, 24% were associated with some form of sexual violence.
In 2008 the North Wales Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASA) provided support to 1850 clients, 25% were under the age of 25 and 296 (16%) came from the Wrexham area.
In addition to these statistics reports to the Community Safety Partnerships Sexual Violence Task Group have highlighted a general lack of understanding by young people about consent for sex. Evidence suggests that many young girls feel disempowered to say “no” and many young boys do not feel the need to ask for consent. The majority of the police reporting reflect concerns that consent has been misunderstood.
The Sexual Violence Prevention campaign launched at Yale College is a high tech campaign involving new and innovative communication methods. Research shows that young people respond well to strong visual images and use up to date technology on a daily basis. A range of displays will be placed around the college as part of the “He Says .She Says Campaign “the displays will alert students to free down loads which will be made available to them via Bluetooth or I Phone. They will be encouraged to access a web based game which raises awareness and understanding of Sexual Violence and aims to dispel myths around this very serious issue. The campaign will also focus heavily on re-enforcing facts around consent for sex.
The campaign will be supported by local media coverage, including a commercial which will run on Heart FM and Yale College will also be promoting the campaign on their college intranet.
Chief Superintendent Ruth Purdie : Chair of the Community Safety Partnership commented: “The Community Safety Partnership has made significant progress in the field of Sexual Violence during recent months I am pleased that we have been able to secure funding from the Home Office and also from the Thomas Howells Education Fund for North Wales which has enabled us to develop this campaign. I’m confident that it will contribute towards raising awareness amongst young people about sexual violence and re-enforce the message that sex without consent is rape and this is a serious crime.”
Cllr Bob Dutton Lead Member for Communities and Performance added: “This is an excellent example of Partnership work. I am delighted that Yale College are working with the Community Safety Partnership on this innovative campaign which I’m sure will have a very real impact on students in the College.”
The College is supporting the Campaign as it is an exciting and innovative way of engaging young people with an important safety message relating to Sexual Health and Wellbeing.
Further information regarding the campaign is available from Christine Elmitt Sexual Violence and Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator – 01978 667222.
