“When You Are Ready” North Wales Police backs national child abuse awareness campaign
North Wales Police has joined forces with a new national campaign, When You Are Ready, aimed at supporting victims and survivors of child sexual abuse and exploitation.
The campaign seeks to provide a safe and empowering message to those affected, encouraging them to reach out for support when they feel ready.
Developed in consultation with survivors, the campaign offers a platform for individuals to share their experiences and find help.
At the heart of the initiative is a three-minute film that features the voices of survivors, detailing the emotional journey of disclosing abuse.
Rather than focusing on the abuse itself, the film highlights the difficult but transformative decision to seek support from a loved one, a support organisation, or the police.
The When You Are Ready campaign is being spearheaded by the Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Taskforce and has the backing of police forces across England and Wales.
It aims to assure survivors that they are not alone, while empowering them to take the next step in their healing process—whenever they are ready.
Speaking about the campaign, Assistant Chief Constable Becky Riggs, NPCC’s lead for Child Protection Abuse and Investigations, said:
“We want victims and survivors to feel positive and hopeful after seeing this campaign. From our work with survivors, we know it can take years to process the abuse or exploitation they experienced. Simply telling someone can be enough, and justice doesn’t always mean a criminal conviction.”
The campaign signposts victims and survivors to a dedicated website, which provides access to a range of support services and organisations.
It also offers information on how to report abuse to the police, ensuring survivors have options for whatever path they choose to take.
T/Detective Chief Inspector Dafydd Curry of North Wales Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People Unit (PVPU) reiterated the importance of speaking out:
“I would urge anyone who has been the victim of sexual abuse—no matter how long ago—to please come forward. We assure you that you will be listened to, and we will help you get the support you so rightly deserve.”
North Wales Police is working through its Onyx Team to prevent child sexual and criminal exploitation, gathering intelligence and collaborating with partners to protect victims and bring offenders to justice.
The When You Are Ready campaign hopes to make a lasting impact, offering survivors a message of hope and a reminder that they do not have to face their experiences alone.
The campaign is active nationwide and supported by various police forces, making it a collective effort to address the long-standing issues of child sexual abuse and exploitation.
Victims and survivors can access the campaign’s resources and watch the film via the campaign’s bespoke website, which can be found here: whenyouareready.co.uk
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