Sexual abuse; #ItsNotOkay

Derbyshire Constabulary is encouraging people to stand up and say #ItsNotOk as the National Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week takes place this week (6-12 February 2023).

Dedicated to encouraging conversations across all parts of our community, the week is an opportunity to show our year-round work, solidarity and support for victims and survivors, and to say #ItsNotOk.

We also would urge anyone who has been affected to come forward and seek help and support.

It is important for people to know that they are not alone in their experiences – and that help is there for them, either by reporting directly to us, or through numerous support groups, agencies, organisations and charities.

We want to breakdown the silence and stigma that surrounds sexual abuse and violence so that survivors can feel empowered to disclose their experiences and seek support.

Detective Superintendent Darren De’Ath, who leads Derbyshire’s Public Protection team, said: “Rape and sexual abuse are awful crimes that have a profound and lasting impact on victims, and there is no place for these crimes in society.

“We recognise that these crimes can be extremely difficult to speak about, and this is why we have worked hard to provide a number of options for people to report this or to speak to us.

“Of course, there will be victims of these offences who do not feel ready or able to report the matter to the police.

While we would always encourage victims to make a report to us, we understand that this isn’t right for everyone, and we would say to anyone in this situation that there are a number of support services that can be contacted directly for practical and emotional support.”

“The message is clear around this type of crime; #ItsNotOk.”

There is a Rape and Sexual Assault reporting tool to our website. Here you can report something that's happened to you, or to someone else. You can report anonymously, without giving us your details. We won't judge you; we'll treat you with respect, and we'll always put your health and wellbeing first.

Access the reporting tool here.

For a list of organisations who can assist you, please visit our Support Organisations page.

You can also contact us using any of the below methods:

• Facebook – send us a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
• Twitter – direct message our contact centre on @DerPolContact
• Website – complete the online contact form.
• Phone – call us on 101, in an emergency ring 999.