Barnsley Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Services (BSARCS), in partnership with BMBC, has launched a borough wide campaign called “Ask the Question”. This is the first whole town initiative across the UK and is aimed at helping residents to lose the stigma of sexual harm.
People who have experienced sexual abuse often feel like they are silenced and unable to talk about what happened, carrying the weight of the abuse whilst the perpetrator receives no sanction at all. Nationwide, there has been a significant move to improve responses to sexual harm and there is recognition of how not supporting people can lead to negative life outcomes.
Supported by national services including the Centre for Expertise in Childhood Sexual Abuse and The Survivors Trust, BSARCS has trained over …..Barnsley professionals to ‘ask the question’ in order to support people with their experience. Following the training, Barnsley residents will be able to speak openly about sexual harm if they wish to, as services such as mental health, GP’s, domestic violence and drugs/alcohol will be ‘asking the question’.
BSARCS CEO, Lynne Casserly, said,
“We are really proud to be leading the first whole town initiative which will help people manage the pain and impact of sexual abuse. This Barnsley initiative is in its very early stages and already 20% of people asked said they have experienced sexual harm, often in childhood. The impact on people receiving appropriate support can be huge, with positive change in mental health, a reduction in suicide attempts and use of drugs/alcohol dependency. Enabling people to talk, to understand the impact of the trauma they have gone through and to truly believe it wasn’t their fault will really change lives for the better.”
1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will have experienced sexual harm at some point in their life. BSARCS works with 1750 Barnsley adults and children each year. If you or someone you know have been impacted by sexual harm at any time in your life, you can reach out to BSARCS on 01226 320140, or find out more about what BSARCS offer on their website www.bsarcs.org.uk.
To find our more about Ask the Question initiative visit the Ask the Question webpage
Download your Barnsley is Asking the Question posters below:
- Barnsley is asking the question 1
- Barnsley is asking the question 2
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