TMC Strategic Communications

Non-contact sexual offences, such as indecent exposure and voyeurism, have often been dismissed or overlooked as a form of violence against women and girls. Many victims feel these incidents aren’t severe enough to report, but in reality, these crimes can escalate into more serious offences like sexual assault and rape.

In order to heighten awareness, Lisa Squire, mother to Libby Squire who was murdered in 2019 by an individual who had previously committed some of these offences, has partnered with Thames Valley Policy to advocated for better education on the subject.

To develop an impactful, powerful campaign, Thames Valley Police have partnered with TMC to ignite behaviour change, particularly within the younger generation.

A recent report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for UN Women revealed that 71% of women in the UK have experienced sexual harassment in public spaces, which includes non-contact offences like exposure. Yet, 95% of these incidents were never reported to authorities, with many women feeling the crime wasn’t “serious enough” to warrant police involvement.

We’re here to say, It Does Matter.

TMC Strategic Communications

Whilst the omnichannel, multi-faceted education and behaviour change campaign includes curriculum-linked resources, focus groups, website and social media marketing, TMC were incredibly proud to contribute to the recent media spotlight on this suite of powerful messages.

Lisa Squire and Assistant Chief Constable Katy Barrow-Grint of Thames Valley Police were invited onto Good Morning Britain, BBC Newsbeat and Sky News to explore the important themes contained within the ‘It Does Matter’ campaign.

TMC supported this significant interest in the campaign through live interviews, developing bespoke campaign graphics and supplying further context and information.

The ‘It Does Matter’ campaign is critical in helping empower the next generation to prevent and protect against non-contact sexual offences.

It’s time to speak up, stand together and stay safe.

If you would like to read more about the campaign, please visit [LINK].

For further information on Libby Squire’s story, we recommend the powerful and very moving documentary ‘Libby are you home yet?’, available on Sky.

The It Does Matter campaign aims to educate and empower victims to report non-contact sexual offences. We’re proud to have seen the campaign live across several news stations and websites!

BBC Newsbeat / BBC News / MK Citizen / Oxford Mail

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