Lisa Squire, mother of murder victim Libby Squire, has launched a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of reporting non-contact sexual offences. Her initiative, 'It Does Matter,' aims to encourage victims to come forward, highlighting the critical link between these offences and more serious crimes. This page explores the significance of her campaign and its implications for society.
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What is Lisa Squire's campaign about?
Lisa Squire's campaign, titled 'It Does Matter,' focuses on raising awareness about non-contact sexual offences. Following the tragic murder of her daughter, Libby Squire, by Pawel Relowicz—who had a history of such offences—Lisa emphasizes the need for victims to report these incidents. She believes that without reporting, law enforcement cannot take necessary actions to prevent future crimes.
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Why is it important to report non-contact sexual offences?
Reporting non-contact sexual offences is crucial because these incidents often serve as precursors to more serious crimes. According to Assistant Chief Constable Katy Barrow-Grint, understanding the prevalence of these offences can help law enforcement agencies address and prevent future violence. Alarmingly, only about 5% of sexual offences are reported, which underscores the need for campaigns like Lisa's to encourage victims to come forward.
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How does this relate to the conviction of her daughter's killer?
The conviction of Libby Squire's killer, Pawel Relowicz, is directly tied to Lisa Squire's advocacy. Relowicz had a documented history of non-contact sexual offences before he murdered Libby. Lisa's campaign aims to highlight how these earlier offences can escalate into more severe crimes, stressing the importance of reporting them to prevent similar tragedies.
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What steps can be taken to prevent future crimes?
To prevent future crimes, it is essential to foster an environment where victims feel safe and supported in reporting non-contact sexual offences. This includes increasing public awareness, improving police response to such reports, and providing resources for victims. Education on the importance of reporting these incidents can also empower individuals to come forward, potentially stopping offenders before they escalate their actions.
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What are the statistics on underreported sexual offences?
Statistics reveal a concerning trend in the underreporting of sexual offences. Reports indicate that only about 5% of incidents are reported to authorities. This significant gap highlights the need for awareness campaigns like Lisa Squire's, which aim to encourage victims to speak out and ensure that law enforcement can take appropriate action to address these crimes.