A CHARITY boss is concerned tickets for an event are not being snapped up as people find the subject matter too ‘difficult’.
Neil Henderson is the chief executive of Safeline – a Warwick-based charity which supports survivors of rape and sexual abuse.
One of the charity’s upcoming fund-raising events is a ball, which organisers hoped would raise money and awareness.
But take-up of tickets to the event in Stratford has been slow, which has lead Neil to speak out in a bid to challenge the stereotypes of people who struggle to talk about sexual abuse.
He said: “We need people to stand up and make it acceptable to talk about sexual abuse and rape.
“Progress is just beginning to happen with mental illness, I would argue sexual abuse and rape is miles behind that.”
Safeline has seen its workload trebled in the past year and is now supporting some 6,000 people.
With one in four women a survivor of rape or sexual abuse and one in six men a target, the charity hopes people will make it acceptable to talk about abuse.
Neil added: “Abusers don’t discriminate – it can happen to any person, of any age, race, class or sexual identity.
“Safeline have over 20 years’ experience of supporting victims, please help us raise the much needed funds to rebuild and save lives.”
The ball is at The Crowne Plaza in Stratford on Friday April 28.
Tickets cost £55 with £30 from each ticket going to the charity.
Visit www.safeline.org.uk to book or for further details.
