CUMBRIA Police and partner agencies are inviting the public to join them for a live online surgery, focused on Rape and Serious Sexual Offences and support services. Professionals from the police, the Bridgeway, Victim Support and The Birchall Trust will be on hand at the event to answer questions and provide helpful information. The event can be accessed here (https://fb.me/e/1FwPHZqRW) through the Constabulary’s Facebook page, by joining the event. The live surgery is an opportunity for the public to ask any questions relating to rape crime and serious sexual offences; such as crime reporting, consent, unconscious bias and support services available. Questions can also be sent in ahead of time via the Constabulary’s Facebook inbox, if an individual wished to remain anonymous, or couldn’t attend the live event. The event, taking place on November 30 at 12:30pm, will also be supported by a victim of a sexual offence. They will be sharing their journey to support others with their experience of reporting the crime and getting support. Rape and Serious Sexual Offences lead, Chief Inspector Jenny Beattie said: "This surgery provides a chance for the public to speak directly to us, live, about rape and serious sexual offences. People can seek support, have their questions answered and access information on those vital support services.

“Anyone can be the victim of a rape or sexual assault. The effects on a victim can be devastating and traumatising. Families and the wider community are often affected by trauma too. We understand that it can be a scary and confusing time, getting the support a victim needs is vital but can often seem out of reach in the moment.

"That is why we have been running our month-long awareness campaign, focusing on; encouraging reporting, providing information on offences and promoting the wealth of support services available to the Cumbrian Community."