A Life More Ordinary – picturing life after abuse

Support services from across Sussex and victims of crime joined together recently to celebrate my A Life More Ordinary campaign.

The exhibition (which you can view online) showcases six brave women who have come forward and shared their experiences of sexual assault, stalking, hate crime and domestic abuse.

Meeting face-to-face for the first time, the women shared their stories with one another and took the opportunity to thank the PCC-funded support services that have helped them and their families to cope and recover.

I wholeheartedly commend Poppy, Norma, Alice, Vivienne, Natalie and Lorraine’s courage in sharing their stories which have helped us promote our local support services and encourage other victims of crime to begin their journey of recovery.

_{The group celebrating the exhibition launch. Some women who participated in the campaign chose to remain anonymous.}

Don't suffer in silence

One of the women told me that she felt like a fraud as her story (in her eyes) was not as harrowing and emotional as some of the other women’s who took part in the campaign.

To that, I just wanted to say; all that matters is how YOU have been affected by what has happened to you. Victims of crime should never have to suffer in silence or measure their suffering against the suffering of others. My message is; if you have been a victim of any crime, whether you are male or female, there are support services in Sussex that are here to help you.

And if you are not a victim of any of these crimes yourself, but have information about them, of course you can contact Crimestoppers 24/7, 365 days a year, and remain anonymous – 100% guaranteed. Call 0800 555 111 or fill in the quick and easy online form.

The parents of the campaign’s youngest participant, who was a victim of sexual assault, talk about the importance of people reaching out for help:

“The young witness service facilitated the healing between me and my daughter because she had a safe place away from the family to offload her worries. I would say definitely, if you have been affected by crime, take the opportunity to access these services because they are really helpful. They are people who really know how things work and will be able to help you get through things.”

“This campaign highlights the stories of some remarkable and truly inspirational women. I was delighted to hear that the many victim services we work so closely with were able to provide effective support when it was most needed. I hope their collective experiences will highlight the range of services available and give confidence to those who may be a victim of crime that they will be supported.”

Related links:

What can I do to help?

It can be really hard to speak out when someone you know is committing a crime, but you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously to tell us about abuse.

GIVE INFORMATION ANONYMOUSLY

I am in an abusive relationship

If you recognise that some of the common traits of abuse are happening to you and would like support or advice, then you can contact the following confidential numbers:
 

• National Domestic Violence Helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on 0808 2000 247

• Men’s Advice Line is available Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, on 0808 801 0327

In an emergency, always call 999.

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