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Suffolk Constabulary is supporting Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week, which runs from Monday 3 to Sunday 9 February, and is urging caution to its communities regarding safety when meeting people online.
Many of us nowadays, including young people, use dating and gaming websites and apps to make friends and form relationships. Whilst most people on these sites are genuine, Suffolk police is advising caution against those who may have other intentions.
Detective Superintendent Nicky Wallace said: “Unfortunately we are seeing a rise in disclosures and reported incidents of domestic and sexual assault, including rape, that involve people who have met online.
“We are advising people to be vigilant and cautious when meeting someone from the internet; you may feel closer to them following online exchanges, but the harsh reality is that this person is still a stranger.”
Suffolk Constabulary is part of Operation Soteria, which is building on national collaboration between academics, investigators and the CPS to develop a new operating model that improves the investigation and prosecution of sexual violence and sexual abuse cases. It aims to identify good practice in the way police forces manage serious sexual offences investigations and enhance the support to victims.
Det Supt Wallace adds: “We do not currently hold figures of how many people have fallen victim to crime involving a person they have met online, but recording relationships between victims and suspects is something all forces are going to change as part of Op Soteria. This will enable us to identify patterns so that measures can be put in place to educate and safeguard potential victims.
“We urge people to protect themselves and their loved ones when meeting people from the internet. This includes being mindful of what sites your child is using, and who they might be speaking to.
“We also encourage people to be cautious with how much information they share online. Do not send intimate photos, as you can lose control of where or how this is shared. Do not share overly personal information, especially your address or banking details, that can expose you to acts of theft, and do not transfer money or buy gift cards for someone you do not know.
“No matter what the circumstances, if you find yourself a victim of crime remember it is not your fault and there is support available. For victims of sexual offences, Suffolk has a dedicated sexual assault referral centre (SARC), known as The Ferns, which provides specialist, tailored support to victims through Crisis Workers and Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs). This includes medical examinations following a recent rape or sexual assault, which can be done without any police involvement. If, at any time, a victim decides to talk to police, this can be arranged.”
The Ferns also supports those who have suffered abuse in the past as well as providing impartial information to victims concerning their options, accessing health services such as sexual health screening and specialist support including counselling. ISVAs will also provide information on other services the person may require including health and social care, housing, or benefits.
Anyone who would like to speak to someone in confidence about sexual abuse or violence can contact Suffolk police on 101, or staff at The Ferns on 0330 223 0099.
Suffolk Constabulary’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore added: “Meeting people online has become common-place and sadly this means an increase in victims being targeted not only emotionally but financially too and in the worse cases even falling victim to sexual assault.
“It affects people of all ages, in all walks of life and is particularly cruel.
“It may not seem like a very romantic start to a relationship but it makes sense to follow the constabulary’s advice and take a look at the ‘Date Safe’ advice on the Action Fraud website before getting too involved.
“If you have been victim, please report it. Remember you are not alone, and your action may help prevent others falling victim too.”
Advice when Meeting in Person:
Video chat before you meet up in person - Do not feel pressured to meet before you are ready. Schedule a video chat before meeting up in-person for the first time. This can be a good way to help ensure the person is who they claim to be. If they strongly resist a video call, that could be a sign of suspicious activity.
Tell a friend where you’re going - Take a screenshot of the person’s profile and send it to a friend. Let at least one friend know where and when you plan to meet. It may also be helpful to arrange to text or call a friend while you are out, or when you get home, to check in. Consider using location sharing apps with your friends and family so they know where you are. Make sure your phone is fully charged, or consider bringing your charger or a portable battery with you.
Meet in a public. Stay in public - avoid meeting someone you don’t know well yet in your home, or workplace. Instead, consider meeting in a cafe, restaurant or bar with plenty of other people around. Avoid meeting in public parks or other isolated locations.
Take control of your own transportation - even if the person you're meeting volunteers to pick you up, avoid getting into a vehicle with someone you don’t know and trust implicitly, especially if it’s the first meeting.
Know your own limits – If you are having a few drinks, try to keep your limits in mind and do not feel pressured to drink just because the person you’re meeting is drinking. Alcohol can impair your judgement and make you a vulnerable target. Never leave your drink unattended; if it doesn’t taste right, don’t drink it.
Trust your intuition - If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, it can help to find an advocate nearby. You can enlist the help of a waiter or bartender to help you create a distraction, call the police, or get a safe ride home. Ask for Angela is a recognised code word that staff in licensed premises are taught to protect potential victims of crime.
Your safety is paramount, so prioritise yourself rather than worrying what the other person might think of you leaving.
Further information, support and advice:
The Ferns – Suffolk Sexual Assault Referral Centre – https://www.theferns-suffolk.org.uk
Survivors in Transition - Specialist support in Suffolk for female and male survivors of childhood sexual abuse, violence and exploitation - www.survivorsintransition.co.uk
Brave Futures - https://bravefutures.org - a therapeutic service for children and young people up to 21 years who have reported being sexually abused and to offer support for their families.
Norfolk & Suffolk Victim Care – specialised victim service - Home - Norfolk & Suffolk Victim Care
P.H.O.E.B.E – support services to women and girls from BME and migrant backgrounds facing domestic abuse and violence - Domestic Violence Support - Phoebe Centre UK