Victim Support Lancashire marks first anniversary with event to support local young people

Victim Support Lancashire, which provides independent, confidential and free support for victims of sexual violence and abuse, marked the one-year anniversary of its sexual violence service with an event in Blackburn on Thursday, March 19.

What is Victim Support Lancashire?

The charity’s sexual violence service, which launched from April 1 2025, helps professionals and community members across the county to prevent, identify and support victims of sexual violence.

In Lancashire, the police recorded 4948 sexual offences in 2023/24.

Between April and December 2025 alone, Victim Support Lancashire’s sexual violence service received 3,258 referrals and 524 calls to the helpline.

How did it mark its first year in service?

Aimed at those supporting children and young people who have experienced sexual violence, the service's first sexual violence conference, ‘Their Shoes’, brought together expert speakers and victim-survivors to explore the experiences of children and young people who have been sexually abused, share ideas and discuss why early identification and responses matter.

Child sexual abuse is far more common than it is visible, with an estimated 4.3 million adults experiencing sexual abuse before the age of 18.

Most children don’t tell anyone about the abuse at the time, with research showing up to two-thirds of children don’t disclose abuse at all during their childhood.

For those who do speak out, it can take an average of 24 years from the time of abuse to disclosure.

What was said about the charity’s anniversary event?

Becci Jackson-Maher, Area Manager for Victim Support Lancashire, said: “We are honoured to have provided this essential, free and confidential service over the last year. Every single person deserves a voice and a safe space in our community where they can talk about the impact of sexual violence. This starts with recognising the signs and responding appropriately to our children and young people. We look forward to continuing to deliver the best possible support for children and young people across Lancashire.”

Kimberley Whitehead, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire, who attended and opened the event, said: “No child should ever have to experience any form of sexual violence - it is completely unacceptable. Commissioner Grunshaw fully supports the Constabulary's work to target offenders and protect vulnerable people.

“A key part of the Commissioner’s role is ensuring that anyone affected by crime has access to dedicated, specialist support to help them cope and recover and this includes the sexual violence support offered through Victim Support.

“This event was a valuable opportunity to learn more about the difference the service is making for sexual violence survivors here in Lancashire. The day encouraged learning and close partnership working, helping to increase awareness of the signs of abuse among professionals working with children and young people, all of which is crucial to offering support at the earliest opportunity.

“The Commissioner and his team remain committed to ensuring that victims of crime can access specialist help and support whenever they may need it.”

Victim Support Lancashire offers free, confidential support to anyone affected by sexual abuse and violence, whether or not this has been reported to the police. To find out more, visit www.victimsupport.org.uk/lancashire or call 0300 1409957.