Sexual assault survivors urged to keep coming forward
There are worries that a group of boys avoiding jail for raping two girls in Hampshire might discourage others from coming forward
Last updated 27th May 2026
A domestic abuse charity supporting survivors of sexual assault in Wiltshire is urging people to keep coming forward about their experiences.
It follows a group of Hampshire boys avoiding jail for raping two girls in Fordingbridge, although the sentences have been referred to the Court of Appeal.
Dione Mitchell, a Senior Practitioner at FearFree, supports people affected by sexual abuse. She says it could discourage survivors from coming forward.
"Reporting abuse already takes huge courage and outcomes like this may reinforce fears around not being believed or protected," she said. "What's important is that survivors know support is still available to them, whether they choose to report or not."
Speaking out can be the platform for recovery
It is widely accepted that speaking up about abusive experiences requires a huge amount of courage and bravery, as they can involve people whom the survivor cares about.
Dione told us that coming forward can be the doorway to support, regaining control and healing.
She said: "Reporting can also help hold perpetrators accountable and potentially protect others from harm. But every survivor's journey is different and support should be available without pressure or judgement."
The affects of sexual abuse can have long-lasting impacts on a persons emotional, physical and psychological wellbeing.
Dione said: "It can impact confidence, relationships, mental health and a person's sense of safety and trust. But with the right support, survivors can begin to heal and rebuild their lives."
Police share concerns of survivors not coming forward
DCI Claire Smith is Wiltshire Police's lead for VAWG (Violence Against Women and Girls) and says the Fordingbridge case is one that will "create public discussion".
She said it could affect peoples confidence in reporting crime as a result, particularly in serious sexual assault cases.
"Seeing a case with video evidence, still lead to this outcome may certainly raise questions and some victims may feel that justice was not achieved here and question whether it would be in their own case, which could lead to a reduction in trust in the whole system," DCI Smith said.
She stressed that the Force is committed to encouraging reporting and is keen to highlight positive outcomes in similar cases.
DCI Smith said: "We also need to consistently highlight the support that's available so people understand that they won't go through this alone and they can access help at any stage.
"We're also working closely with our partners, partner organisations and communities to build trust and make sure that people know that they'll be listened to and be taken seriously when they do come forward, as we know the bravery that that takes."
She also assures us that people coming forward will all be given a range of support whilst going through the justice system to ensure survivors are regularly updated, understand the process and fully supported throughout the case.
If you’ve been affected by the issues raised in this article, help is available. Contact Rape Crisis in your nation:
Rape crisis England and Wales - 808 500 2222 - https://rapecrisis.org.uk