SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS
STANDING WITH SURVIVORS
Sexual Assault Awareness Month aims at quelling myths and misconceptions around traumatic experiences by promoting accurate information
harassment. This entails developing understanding of an ‘ethical wall’ designed to maintain confidentiality between those representing an individual accused of wrongdoing and those representing the individual who has made the accusation or has been the victim of the alleged wrongdoing. This is to ensure all members have confidence in their local branch and its ability to represent everyone fairly and effectively.” SAAM serves as a reminder to all of
April brings Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), dedicated to raising awareness about sexual assault and fostering a culture of prevention, support, and justice. SAAM plays a pivotal role in acknowledging the prevalence of sexual violence, breaking the silence surrounding it, and advocating for survivors.
One of the primary objectives of SAAM
is to ensure people understand the various forms sexual assault can take action to dispel myths and misconceptions that often surround these traumatic experiences. By promoting accurate information, the campaign seeks to create a more informed and empathetic society, reducing victim-blaming attitudes and fostering a supportive environment for survivors to come forward and seek help. Police Federation of England and
Wales (PFEW) Parliamentary co-lead Belinda Goodwin commented: “It is vital to continually recognise the importance of not accepting any type of sexual harassment or assault, and to call it out if we see it. In policing it is part of our
16 | POLICE | APRIL | 2024
role to assist victims and investigate any allegations of sexual assault, or harassment, so we are exposed to this behaviour daily, which leaves it unfathomable to know that it exists within policing too. “As a Federation, we endeavour to support any victims who come forward with any type of sexual allegation. If this is against a partner or another officer, we have ethical walls built into our reporting
us at an individual level to watch out for inappropriate behaviour and call it out if we see it; but it also works towards ensuring institutions, organisations and communities implement robust prevention and response mechanisms. PFEW Deputy National Chair Tiff
“This awareness month ensures we continue to educate victims their experiences matter and that support is out there should they need it.”
processes and are continually training our Federation representatives on new toolkits so they can support our members in the unfortunate event that they may need this assistance. “As part of our response to revelations following the Baroness Casey Review, we have created a new toolkit and have been delivering extra training to reps across England and Wales on sexual
Lynch said: “The continued awareness of sexual abuse and violence is critical for us all; it can happen to anyone at any time and must never be overlooked. This awareness month ensures we continue to educate victims their experiences matter and that support is out there should they need it. “We, the police, are here to support victims in coming forward no matter their circumstances. Silence is not an option, and our communities need to know that speaking out is always the best option and we will always support those that do.”
SAAM is one of many
initiatives designed to build a safer and more compassionate society. By fostering awareness, promoting education, and encouraging dialogue, SAAM plays a pivotal role in preventing sexual assault, supporting survivors, and advocating for systemic change. It is an essential step towards ensuring consent is respected, survivors are empowered, and sexual violence is eradicated.
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