A CAMPAIGN to help encourage victims to report non-contact sexual offences has been launched across the West Mercia policing region.
The social media campaign, launched on Wednesday (August 20), aims to raise awareness of crimes such as indecent exposure, voyeurism, revenge porn and upskirting.
These crimes have historically been overlooked as forms of violence against women and girls, with victims often not believing they are serious enough to report.
West Mercia Police is concerned that these crimes, which can wrongly seem like low level criminality, can often lead to much more serious crimes such as rape and sexual assault.
In recent years, the murders of three women covered extensively in the media of Sarah Everard, Zara Aleena and Libby Squire were carried out by men with histories of non-contact sexual offending.
West Mercia Police’s campaign aims to encourage victims to report these offences so police can take action against the perpetrators before the offending escalates.
Detective Superintendent Emma Whitworth for vulnerability and safeguarding said: “By raising awareness, we hope it will encourage people to report these incidents.
“Many women may have brushed it off as something that happens to all women, or [not] realise it is a criminal offence. Our message is it does not have to be brushed off and when it happens we want to know.”
“If you do report one of these offences to us, we will investigate and do our utmost to get those perpetrators put before the courts.
“Reporting will also allow us to better understand patterns of offending to assist with locating those that commit such crimes. It really does matter.”
The force’s police and crime commissioner John Campion said he was committed to playing his part in ensuring sexual offences in all forms are ‘eradicated from society’.
He added: “That’s why tackling the offenders who cause the most harm is one of my central priorities within my Safer Communities Plan.
“But whilst these crimes sadly exist, its vital victims get the support they need to cope and recover.”
Support for victims is available via the Victim Support Gateway. Visit www.victimsupport.org.uk/resources/west-mercia/ for more information.
To contact police, search ‘Report – West Mercia Police’ online. Always call 999 in an emergency.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously online or via 0800 555 111.
