Raising awareness of ‘Hidden Crimes’
Raising awareness of hidden crimes emerging within communities was on the agenda at a partnership conference held in Conwy yesterday (Thursday 28th January).
A number of national and local keynote speakers provided a wide and varying range of presentations at the Hidden Crimes conference that was organised by the North Wales Gender-based Violence, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Forum.
Some of the topics covered included domestic abuse, abuse in the sex worker industry, abuse perpetrated by children against their parents, coercive control and child sexual exploitation.
A powerful presentation on the issue of rape and sexual consent was also delivered by ‘Cat’s Paw’ – a Wrexham-based theatre company.
Michelle Davidson Beck Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Lead Officer for the Safer Conwy and Denbighshire Partnership said: “Key stakeholders from all sectors attended the conference to help share an understanding of a wide range of issues that are often at the edge of mainstream practice.”
Detective Inspector Eryl Roberts from North Wales Police’ Protecting Vulnerable People Unit said: “The conference was an opportunity to demonstrate to the public of north wales the commitment that North Wales Police, together with our statutory and third sector partners, have in seeking to better understand the difficult issues that face not only those members of our communities that have been a victims of these “Hidden Crimes” but also the impact that these crimes can have on their families and friends.
“As has been demonstrated by the tremendous attendance at the conference by both managers and practitioners from a variety of organisations from across the region we, together with our partners, are committed to ensure that there is no such thing as “Hidden Crimes” in north Wales.
“Our promise is that each and every individual regardless of their personal circumstances can have the confidence to approach North Wales Police or any of our partners to report these matters in the firm knowledge that they will receive the level of advice, support and service that they require.”
During the conference a DVD was shown that raises awareness and understanding of sexual consent. The #ConsentisEverything film was launched by Thames Valley Police highlighting that sex without consent is rape.
Further information and advice regarding domestic abuse, hate and other ‘hidden crimes’ crime is available here.
North Wales Police’ Amethyst Team provide specialist services to support victims and encourage anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence to come forward. Reporting a sexual offence is about empowering victims and ensuring they have access to specialist support they may require. If a victim does not feel ready to report to the Police then services can be accessed through the confidential Amethyst SARC Helpline on 0808 156 3658.
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