Today is the last chance to fill in a Sue Lambert Trust survey which aims to gather vital data on sexual violence and sexual abuse in Norfolk. Chief Executive Officer Clive Evans explains why the survey is so important
Sue Lambert Trust, the main charity in Norfolk that supports people who have experienced sexual violence or sexual abuse, is asking for county residents to take part its 2024 public survey – which closes tonight (Monday September 30). The data gathered will be a critical part of the charity’s More Room to Care campaign, as it aims to increase its services in Norfolk to meet the rising demand for support for survivors of sexual abuse or violence.
For more than 40 years, Sue Lambert Trust has been providing specialist counselling support to people who have experienced sexual violence or sexual abuse, helping them rebuild and recover after terrible trauma. Thanks to the generosity of professional therapists who donate some of their time for free, and funding from a range of bodies, the charity does not charge clients for therapeutic services.
Clive Evans is chief executive officer of Sue Lambert Trust: ‘We are extremely proud of the level of support we deliver,’ he says. ‘We currently work with more than 600 people per year, including delivering 250 one-to-one professional counselling appointments every week.
‘But sexual violence is increasing and the waiting list for counselling is growing with it. The purpose of this survey is to help us gather data that we can present to important funders such as the NHS, Ministry of Justice and local government, to reinforce the vital nature of what we do as a charity and to raise more funds to be able to support more survivors.’
On 23 July this year, the National Police Chiefs’ Council issued a call to action as the epidemic of violence against women and girls deepens. In addition, there is a large number of cases of sexual violence against men and boys. According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales, year ending March 2022, approximately 16.6% of adults aged 16 years and over (7.9 million) had experienced sexual assault in their lives.
‘The survey forms part of our More Room to Care campaign,’ Clive Evans continues. ‘We have a thorough understanding of the sexual violence emergency in Norfolk, because of the numbers of people coming to us for help. But gathering even more data will further strengthen our case when we are approaching funders and speaking to people who have the power to support us, as we support victims of sexual violence and abuse.’
Please visit Sue Lambert Trust to complete the survey.
Featured image of Clive Evans – supplied
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