AN APPEAL has been launched for Herefordshire councillors to recognise the problem of sexual abuse in the county – and calls for them to tackle it.

Jocelyn Anderson, chief officer at the West Mercia Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (WMWRSAC), said that currently, sexual violence does not feature as a priority within any strategic document within Herefordshire and is only currently considered within the context of sexual exploitation and domestic abuse.

But figures collected by the centre last year show that 79 per cent of all WMRSASC clients had never been involved in domestic violence.

A petition, launched by the centre, is now urging councillors to take action.

“Cases like Ched Evans, Jimmy Saville and others have focused attention on a subject that most people do not want to discuss,” explained Ms Anderson.

“Sexual violence and abuse has been going on for years and unless we properly address it, it will continue.

She called for support from all local councillors to make that happen, by ensuring sexual violence and the needs of victims are made a priority for Herefordshire.

According to Cllr Patricia Morgan, chairman of Herefordshire Community Safety Partnership, research on sexual violence is being undertaken to inform the council’s Understanding Herefordshire report, which informs key strategies.

“This follows on from the comprehensive review of domestic violence and abuse in the county, already conducted by the Herefordshire Community Safety Partnership,” she said.

“The council supports this work, which will provide a greater understanding of sexual violence in Herefordshire.

“It will help to inform strategic planning moving forward and work undertaken alongside rape and sexual violence support services.