Wiltshire Police is joining other partner agencies in support of the Swindon Feminist Network’s event on what women in Swindon want following the #MeToo campaign.
The free to attend event is being held today from 7pm at the Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square, Swindon.
The #MeToo campaign has seen women around the world share their experiences of sexual assault and harassment. It is now being used to bring about a positive change.
Head of Public Protection Detective Superintendent Deb Smith, said, “I am looking forward to joining the meeting and speaking about how the police tackle these types of offences.
“If you are a victim of these horrific crimes, it is understandable that you may find it difficult to talk to someone about what has happened, or report it to the police. However, it is really important that you consider reporting it to the police as soon as possible. We can provide support and a specialist police investigator can seek opportunities to gather evidence and investigate the crime.
“You can report directly to the police or if you’re not ready to involve the police, you can contact the New Swindon Sanctuary Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) which is a dedicated centre to support victims of sexual assault. They have trained professionals who can provide immediate medical care, a forensic examination, counselling and onward referral to other rape and sexual violence support services”.
Jen Hall from the Swindon Feminist Network said, “Like many others, I was dismayed and pained to see so many people that I admired and cared about share their stories as part of #MeToo.
“For all of them to stand up took so much bravery, and I want to keep talking about their stories but in a way that creates a positive change as a result. I want to be part of creating that change”.
If you are a recent victim of rape or sexual assault, you should call 999 to help the police deal with it as urgently and effectively as possible.
Even if it hasn’t happened recently they would still like to speak to you so please call 101.
If you know someone that has been the victim of rape or sexual assault, you can also report it via 101.
