Dorset Police news site

Dorset Police is supporting Sexual Violence and Sexual Abuse Awareness Week 2025 and encouraging victims of all forms of sexual offences to have the confidence to come forward.

During the week of action, which runs from Monday 3 February to Sunday 9 February 2025, the Force is sending a message that all victims will be treated with respect and supported and we will do all we can to ensure perpetrators are held to account.

Detective Superintendent Neil Wright, Force lead for Rape and Serious Sexual Offence (RASSO) and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), said: “We are continuously working to create an environment where victims feel confident to come forward to us and report sexual offences in the knowledge that their report will be taken seriously and they will be treated with respect and dignity.

“We also want to increase confidence that matters will be thoroughly investigated and we will do everything in our power to ensure that offenders are brought to justice.”

Dorset Police works with a range of partner agencies both to support victims and ensure investigations are managed effectively.

The central focus of all this work is the voice of the victim as we make every effort to ensure they feel supported and listened to.

Det Supt Wright added: “While the Force remains steadfastly committed to tackling serious sexual offences, Dorset Police also recognises that in many cases these crimes are not committed by offenders in isolation. Perpetrators can have a history of predatory behaviour, often including non-contact sexual offences that are typically perceived as ‘lower level’ but we fully recognise can have a significant impact on victims.

“We are working to roll out a training programme to increase awareness and equip our officers with the tools to respond appropriately to these offences with the aim of preventing an escalation in behaviour.

“We are also working with partners to raise awareness and empower victims to report non-contact sexual offences.

“These offences can include voyeurism, exposure, up-skirting, spiking, stalking, online offences and other general sexualised comments and behaviour.

“We want to assure our communities that offences of this nature will be taken seriously and we are absolutely committed to ensuring that we will respond appropriately to these reports.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Dorset David Sidwick said: “Tackling violence against women and girls remains a priority and the Force has set a clear strategic focus on improving investigation standards, and the service provided to victims. I very much support the work they are doing in creating a safe and supportive environment where victims feel more able to report such crimes.

“Since taking office, I have committed to ensuring victims of rape and serious sexual assaults are provided with the care and support they need. My office has provided funds for vital services including Victim Support, Dorset Sexual Assault Referral Centre known as Shores, and STARS Dorset, which all play an important part in ensuring all victims of these distressing crimes receive high quality care and support when they need it the most.”

Anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence or other sexualised behaviour can report it to Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101. If you or anyone else is in danger, always call 999 immediately.

For those who do not feel able to report matters to police, help can be sought through the following channels:

• The Shores Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) 0800 970 9954
• National Rape Crisis Helpline 0808 500 2222
• Sexual Trauma And Recovery Service  - www.starsdorset.org 0808 500 2222