An event in Coventry will aim to bring people together to show their support for victims-survivors of sexual violence and abuse while raising vital funds for a local charity.
Coventry Rape and Sexual Assault Centre (CRASAC) is teaming up with CV Life’s Alan Higgs Centre to host a series of fitness classes in one day which have all been chosen to build confidence of participants.
But the event, which will take place on December 3, will also work as an opportunity to raise awareness of the in-demand charity, as well as some much-needed funding.
(CRASAC) is the only specialist service in Coventry which provides support for adults and children who have been impacted directly or indirectly by sexual violence or abuse at any time in their lives. This includes online abuse and exploitation.
While the organisation does receive some funding, it is sadly not enough which has resulted in extensive waiting lists for people in desperate need of support.
Because of this, the upcoming event will help raise funds which will go directly into helping people in Coventry.
Participants, who are asked to donate £5, or whatever they can, will enjoy bums, legs & tums, Zumba and self-defence classes.
On a national scale, one in four girls and one in six boys will experience childhood sexual abuse. And one third of survivors of child sexual abuse only tell someone what happened to them later in life.
Meanwhile, one in five women over the age of 16 have experienced some form of sexual violence (one in twenty men) – and around 15% of those report to the police.
Becky Williamson, Co-Chair Board of Trustees for CRASAC, said: “We have over 40 years experience working with victims and survivors of sexual violence and abuse through specialist advocacy, counselling, training and prevention services.
“The statistics speak for themselves, and there will be many people we interact with as part of our daily lives who are living with the impact of sexual violence and child sexual abuse. It is a widespread problem which remains hidden within society.
“Last year almost 1500 local people accessed our services and the demand for our specialist support has increased year on year. This means that many survivors can wait up to 14 months to access the specialist help they so desperately need.”
Becky added: “As you can see from the stats, CRASAC is such an integral service to the people of Coventry.
“It really is an honour to support this service and as a result support survivors of sexual violence. Please come and join us on December 3 to raise money and awareness for this wonderful charity – we’re Looking forward to seeing you there!”
Tracey Canning, Group Exercise Coordinator for CV Life, said: “CRASAC is a massively important charity which does fantastic work here in Coventry.
“So I’m delighted we’re able to host this event and help the organisation in this way.
“The classes have been specially picked to build confidence of participants, but also to encourage fun and the more social side of exercise – I think it will be a really fun afternoon that will hopefully lend a hand to this wonderful charity.”
The event, which is open to women and men, will take place at the Alan Higgs Centre on Sunday, December 3, between 2pm and 4pm.
You can book your place at the event by emailing lifestylesenquiries@cvlife.co.uk. If you are a CV Life member you can book on via the MyWellness app.