This week is Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week. With at least 1 in 12 adults in Norfolk living with the trauma, Sue Lambert Trust has partnered with sports teams from the University of East Anglia Students Union to highlight the scale of the issue
At least 1 in 12 adults aged 18-74 in Norfolk have experienced sexual abuse, sexual violence or rape, according to new figures released today by Sue Lambert Trust, the county’s leading specialist support charity. The stark statistic has been published to mark Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week (2–9 February) and highlights the scale of trauma affecting thousands of people across Norfolk’s communities.
To bring the figure to life, Sue Lambert Trust has partnered with sports teams from the University of East Anglia Students’ Union, with teams of 12 players coming together to show survivors they are not alone. UEA Students’ Union teams including Cheer Dance, Futsal, Cheer Stunt, Tennis, Pole Fitness, Golf, Athletics, Women’s Rugby, and American Football have shared photos in solidarity, symbolising the 1 in 12 adults living with this trauma.
Sue Lambert Trust, which supports people across Norfolk and Waveney, says the figure is based only on those who have disclosed or reported abuse, meaning the real number is likely far higher.
Alicia Khuttan, Women’s Officer at UEA Students’ Union, said: “Sexual abuse, rape and sexual violence are far more common in our communities than many people realise. Victims often remain silent, carrying shame and pain alone. This week is about speaking up for survivors and making it clear that support is available.
“The 1 in 12 figure shows that anyone can be affected, people of all ages and backgrounds, but the impact lasts a lifetime. Until these crimes are eradicated from society, specialist therapy and counselling must be properly funded and accessible.”
Clive Evans, CEO of Sue Lambert Trust, added: “Friends, colleagues, classmates or teammates; we will all know someone, whether they tell us or not, who are living with this pain. And this figure only reflects those who have come forward. Every survivor deserves to be heard, to heal and to rebuild their life, whether or not they’ve reported to the police.
“Right now, our counselling waiting list stands at 588 people. Despite doing everything we can, demand is outstripping capacity, and more investment in specialist services, like ours, but also throughout the country, is urgently needed.”
Without access to specialist support, survivors are significantly more likely to experience poor physical and mental health. Research by the Independent Inquiry into Childhood Sexual Abuse back in 2017 found survivors are more likely to experience major depression, PTSD and self-harm, and are six times more likely to attempt suicide.
People living in Norfolk and Waveney need more support, and demand on the charity’s services is continuing to rise. Since launching an online self-referral service in August 2025, Sue Lambert Trust has received an average of 90 new referrals every month.
Clive Evans said: “Asking for help takes enormous courage, so we removed barriers to accessing support. While it’s encouraging that more people are reaching out, we are overwhelmed. There is simply nowhere else in Norfolk offering this level of specialist counselling – we are it.
“Survivors should not be left waiting, coping alone with their trauma. We are calling for long-term, sustainable funding so no one must suffer in silence.”
Sue Lambert Trust thanked UEA Students’ Union sports teams for backing the campaign and helping to raise awareness this February.
What can you do to help? Write to your local Norfolk or Waveney MP urging increased funding for specialist counselling services at Sue Lambert Trust; Sign up to the Sue Lambert Trust newsletter to support and advocate for survivors; and Fundraise for Sue Lambert Trust, including by taking part in the Norwich Abseil on 16th May (register on Sue Lambert Trust). Visit suelamberttrust.org.
Featured images supplied by Plain Speaking PR
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