Knowledge & research
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we are asked most often about the partnership and getting support.
Your questions, answered
Who commits crimes of sexual violence?
Sexual violence is most often committed by someone the survivor knows, rather than by a stranger. National Crime Survey data found that 84% of people who had experienced rape since the age of 16 knew the perpetrator. This included current or former partners, family members, friends, dates and other known people.
Figures based on data from 5 Rape Crisis Centres using Visia DPMS
- Intimate partner or ex-partner26.7%
- Relative23.2%
- Acquaintance11.9%
- Friend or wider social network15%
- Person in a position of trust3.1%
- Stranger7.7%
- Groups of perpetrators, known and unknown2.1%
- Not stated10.4%
Synergy East data
Where do these crimes happen?
Sexual violence is often imagined as something that happens in public places or on the street. In reality, many offences take place in private settings, including the survivor’s own home or the home of someone they know.
Figures based on data from 5 Rape Crisis Centres using Visia DPMS
- Family home9.6%
- Service user's home10.8%
- Perpetrator's home11.8%
- Home shared by perpetrator and survivor5.7%
- Work, educational or another institution3.4%
- Public transport0.3%
- Hotel or holiday2.1%
- Entertainment place or social gathering0.8%
- Other home or building4.3%
- Vehicle0.9%
- Outside4.9%
- Online0.5%
- Multiple locations5.3%
- No data39.7%
Synergy East data
Who uses sexual violence survivor services?
There is no single profile of someone who uses specialist sexual violence and abuse services. Survivors come from different backgrounds, communities and circumstances, and their experiences and needs are different too.
Our Synergy East data helps show who is accessing specialist services across the region and where inequalities or gaps in access may remain.
Figures based on data from 5 Rape Crisis Centres using Visia DPMS
Age range
- 12 years old and under3.6%
- 13 to 17 years old13.4%
- 18 to 24 years old19.9%
- 25 to 34 years old23.2%
- 35 to 44 years old19.5%
- 45 to 54 years old12.3%
- 55 to 64 years old6.2%
- 65 to 74 years old1.5%
- 75+ years old0.3%
- Not stated0.2%
Synergy East data
Sex
- Female survivors88.2%
- Male survivors9.5%
- Do not identify with their sex at birth2.3%
Ethnicity
- Asian or Asian British3.3%
- Black or Black British4.5%
- Mixed or multiple ethnic groups3.5%
- White78.7%
- Other ethnic group1.2%
- Not stated8.8%
Disability
- Has a disability52.3%
- Does not have a disability34.9%
- Not stated12.9%
How do victims and survivors access services?
Our Synergy East data helps show who is accessing specialist services across the region and where inequalities or gaps in access may remain.
Figures based on data from 5 Rape Crisis Centres using Visia DPMS
- Self referrals31.1%
- Friend, family or third party1.6%
- Criminal justice services29%
- Sexual Assault Referral Centres7.1%
- Health services13.7%
- Local authority5.1%
- Voluntary sector services11.9%
- Other0.4%
Synergy East data
What is Synergy East?
Synergy East is a partnership of specialist sexual violence and abuse organisations across the East of England, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund. Together we are working to make it simpler for survivors to reach the right specialist support, wherever they live.
Who can get support through the partnership?
Anyone in the East of England who has experienced rape, sexual assault or sexual abuse, at any point in their life, can contact a partner centre. Support is available whether or not you have reported to the police.
How do I find the right service for my area?
Use the Getting Support page to find the specialist centre covering your county. If you are not sure which area you are in, contact any partner and they will help you get to the right place without having to repeat your story.
Do I have to report to the police to get help?
No. Specialist support is available whether or not you choose to report, and partner centres can talk you through your options if you are considering it.