POLICE have started a long term partnership project to improve services for rape and serious sexual assault victims.

This week organisations across the country have been raising awareness of sexual abuse and sexual violence as well as the services that exist to help victims come forward and get help.

Dorset Police is also taking the opportunity to highlight a partnership project aimed at improving services offered to those who report rape and other serious sexual assaults.

Dorset Police’s Chief Constable James Vaughan said: "We appreciate it can be the hardest thing in the world for someone to come forward and disclose rape, abuse or historic offences.

"Police support victims and work toward the very best outcome for them, but the Action Plan provides an opportunity to work with partners and internally to improve those processes and remove perceived barriers to reporting.

“"Our aim is to improve the experience for those who engage with the service at every point in their journey through the system - respecting privacy and safeguarding them from further abuse."

Developed in partnership with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and neighbouring Hampshire Constabulary and Wiltshire Police, the Wessex Tri-force Action Plan includes the introduction of a range of measures designed to increase victim confidence in the criminal justice system.

It also ensures victims receive the best possible support and care while investigations and prosecutions take place.

The aim is to improve the outcomes for victims of rape and serious sexual assaults in both in terms of justice and of well-being.

The national campaign has the hashtag #ItsNotOK

For more info, visit: www.dorset.police.uk/rape-sexual-assault