Statement from the Mayor of West Yorkshire leading up to Sexual Violence and Abuse Awareness Week

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin said:

“As a survivor of sexual violence, I feel a personal responsibility to use my role to help and protect victims of sexual violence and abuse.

“Sexual Violence Awareness week gives us a chance to share knowledge and information about the wealth of support that is available to victims and survivors across West Yorkshire.

“With the latest crime figures issued last week showing a rise in sexual offences within West Yorkshire, and recent news of rape convictions reaching unacceptable lows nationally, it is crucial that we do all we can to reverse this trend and be a catalyst for change.

“Of course, I recognise there are many contributing factors, but that cannot detract from the fact that the criminal justice system is currently failing rape victims. We must do better.

“I’ve put the safety or women and girls at the centre of my first police and crime plan, letting victims and survivors know what support is available to them.

“One example is the excellent state-of-the-art Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), which supports all survivors through the process of recording what has happened to them.

“As we look to the future, I will continue to work with the Police, CPS, courts and partners such as Women’s Aid, to ensure that justice is done.”