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New Safe Space for victims in lockdown
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne tells us about the new update to the Safe Space Sussex website.
In 2016 I launched ‘Safe Space Sussex’, the first online directory of local victim services, so that people could easily reach out for support. Now, in response to the ‘lockdown’ and concerns raised around crimes like domestic abuse, I have upgraded this site and started a campaign on social media (@SussexPCC) this week to help victims covertly reach out for help – search #SafeSpaceSussex.
With the entire country in lockdown, many services have expressed their concerns about victims of crime not feeling able to safely reach out for help. Some have seen a decrease in engagement from victims with reports of crimes (like domestic abuse) made to Sussex Police, reducing by around 4%.
While we are all deeply affected by this ongoing pandemic, those who have experienced, or are still experiencing, crime may well be in a heightened state of anxiety and distress.
We may be in lockdown, but they must not feel locked out.
Just because we are seeing a decrease in reports does not mean that these crimes are reducing. So, it’s now more important than ever that people who feel threatened and vulnerable have someone they can reach out to, who will listen and help them.
We have relaunched Safe Space Sussex so that we can continue to do everything we can to ensure that critical and confidential help remains available to those who need it.
The website has been equipped with a new search tool so that within an average of 10 seconds, victims of any crime can find the service they need. It also has a ‘leave site now’ button that users can press to quickly exit the site.
As part of the relaunch campaign, tailored guidance will be shared across social media on how victims can access the new website covertly, using incognito tabs, as they may be living with their perpetrators during lockdown and their search history may be monitored as a result.
Sussex Police have also issued advice, which will be shared this week, on how a victim of crime can covertly let a call handler know they are in danger. The '55' technology is in place for those too scared to speak, to alert a 999-call handler to the fact they need help by pressing 55 on their mobile.
Information on Safe Space Sussex is also being signposted in local supermarkets and will soon be on branded pharmacy bags too. We are all going the extra mile during this crisis to ensure that people do not feel they have to suffer in silence.
I understand that it may be difficult for many victims at this time to reach out but I’m hoping that, by sharing ways they can do this more covertly, we will see more people coming forward and getting the help they need.
If you find yourself in an emergency where you think you or others may be in immediate danger, dial 999. The police are always there for you when you need them.
If you would prefer not to contact the police you can report a crime anonymously via Crimestoppers here on our website, or by calling 0800 555 111.
www.safespacesussex.org.uk has all the information on support services which can help any victim of crime across Sussex.
In 2016 I launched ‘Safe Space Sussex’, the first online directory of local victim services, so that people could easily reach out for support. Now, in response to the ‘lockdown’ and concerns raised around crimes like domestic abuse, I have upgraded this site and started a campaign on social media (@SussexPCC) this week to help victims covertly reach out for help – search #SafeSpaceSussex.
With the entire country in lockdown, many services have expressed their concerns about victims of crime not feeling able to safely reach out for help. Some have seen a decrease in engagement from victims with reports of crimes (like domestic abuse) made to Sussex Police, reducing by around 4%.
While we are all deeply affected by this ongoing pandemic, those who have experienced, or are still experiencing, crime may well be in a heightened state of anxiety and distress.
We may be in lockdown, but they must not feel locked out.
Just because we are seeing a decrease in reports does not mean that these crimes are reducing. So, it’s now more important than ever that people who feel threatened and vulnerable have someone they can reach out to, who will listen and help them.
We have relaunched Safe Space Sussex so that we can continue to do everything we can to ensure that critical and confidential help remains available to those who need it.
The website has been equipped with a new search tool so that within an average of 10 seconds, victims of any crime can find the service they need. It also has a ‘leave site now’ button that users can press to quickly exit the site.
As part of the relaunch campaign, tailored guidance will be shared across social media on how victims can access the new website covertly, using incognito tabs, as they may be living with their perpetrators during lockdown and their search history may be monitored as a result.
Sussex Police have also issued advice, which will be shared this week, on how a victim of crime can covertly let a call handler know they are in danger. The '55' technology is in place for those too scared to speak, to alert a 999-call handler to the fact they need help by pressing 55 on their mobile.
Information on Safe Space Sussex is also being signposted in local supermarkets and will soon be on branded pharmacy bags too. We are all going the extra mile during this crisis to ensure that people do not feel they have to suffer in silence.
I understand that it may be difficult for many victims at this time to reach out but I’m hoping that, by sharing ways they can do this more covertly, we will see more people coming forward and getting the help they need.
If you find yourself in an emergency where you think you or others may be in immediate danger, dial 999. The police are always there for you when you need them.
If you would prefer not to contact the police you can report a crime anonymously via Crimestoppers here on our website, or by calling 0800 555 111.
www.safespacesussex.org.uk has all the information on support services which can help any victim of crime across Sussex.
