"Soaps can really affect sexual violence figures at this time of year"
ICENA works with businesses, education systems, and public sector organisation across Essex to eradicate sexual harassment
Last updated 2nd Jan 2025
A charity working across Essex to prevent and support those who have experienced sexual harassment tells Greatest Hits Radio they "predict a rise in harassment disclosures" this New Year, after the Christmas period.
ICENA is a non-profit organisation, working with businesses, education systems and public sector organisations to eradicate sexual harassment by providing training and consultancy.
Naomi Butters is the co-founder and CEO of ICENA.
She says they're expecting a rise in disclosures of harassment in the New Year after the Christmas period.
Naomi explains this may be caused by Soap storylines: "it's always a very tricky time of year especially if the Soaps have a storyline on any form of sexual violence."
"I expect that rape crisis centres will be really busy this time of year."
"Peak points are usually around points in the media where it comes out that a celebrity has sexually abused or sexually harassed women and girls" says Naomi.
She continues: "Soap storylines can be quite triggering for a survivor and bring back memories for them.
"It can either be new disclosures - people feeling confident enough to say this has happened to me.
"Or it can be historic cases that come forward and speak about what's happened.
"A lot of women have come forward since the Harrods case. Because people feel safe to do so."