Create joins Ministry of Justice's #itstillmatters campaign

24 February 2021 - Press release

Harnessing the power of podcasts to raise awareness of the support available for victims and survivors of sexual abuse and sexual violence

 

This month, the Ministry of Justice launched the #ItStillMatters campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the support available for victims and survivors of sexual assault and sexual abuse and sexual violence, helping individuals to take the first step in accessing support. Create, the global production company and home to some of the UK's most popular podcasts, has joined the campaign as part of a non-cost partnership, using the power of podcasts to drive awareness for this important cause.

With special episodes of Made By Mammas, Loose Lips, Baffled and Conversations With My Dog, Create and the Ministry of Justice hope to create a conversation around this topic, so that those who have experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence feel encouraged and confident enough to seek help. With a broad roster of podcasts taking part, it is hoped that this message reaches all genders, ages and backgrounds.

Made By Mammas will be hosting an interview with the Head of Support Services at NAPAC (the National Association for People Abused in Childhood), while Loose Lips have discussed a Listener Letter with one of the hosts bravely opening up about her own experiences. Conversations with my Dog saw an interview with Lydia Ward, survivor and trustee at Safeline.org.uk and psychologist specialising in confidence, resilience and communication. They spoke about breaking the taboo around talking about sexual abuse and what you can do to support someone who may be in this situation. In Baffled, a comedy fact-based podcast, the hosts broke away from their comedic nature to include a special bonus fact raising awareness around the number of sexual abuse victims and how they could find help.

In creating these conversations via the podcast world, the campaign aims to remove the stigma, shame and embarrassment which all too often surrounds discussion of sexual abuse. The message is clear: no matter when the abuse happened, whether it was last month or many years ago, it is never too late to ask for help, confidential support is available. 

Create said, "We are incredibly proud to be working with the Ministry of Justice, and to be part of this important campaign. Together, we've been able to demonstrate the power of podcasts in raising awareness and promoting valuable, and potentially life-saving conversations. Podcasts can often be a safe haven, where people come for a friend or support, especially during tough times. We hope these episodes will provide hope to those who need it most."

The Ministry of Justice said, "The aim of the #ItStillMatters campaign is to raise awareness of the support available for victims of sexual violence and sexual abuse. Thanks to Create, we have been able to reach a wide range of people from a cross-section of society who may have experienced sexual abuse. We hope, as a result of this campaign, those listeners who have experienced sexual violence and sexual abuse will feel empowered to take the first step in accessing support. Remember, whenever it happened to you, #ItStillMatters."

Listeners are encouraged to visit gov.uk/sexualabusesupport which signposts support and highlights survivor testimonies, as well as offering advice on how to support someone else.