A critical survey on sexual violence and abuse has been launched in Norfolk to help care for those impacted.

Sue Lambert Trust, the county's leading charity for survivors of sexual violence and abuse, aims to increase its services as demand continues to rise.

Collected data will bolster the charity's More Room to Care campaign.

For over four decades, the charity has provided specialised therapeutic support to survivors, offering free-of-charge services.

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And it relies significantly on the donated time of professional therapists and various funding bodies.

Clive Evans, the charity's chief executive, said: “We currently work with more than 600 people per year, including delivering 250 one-to-one professional counselling appointments every week.

"But sexual violence is increasing and the waiting list for counselling is growing with it.

"The purpose of this survey is to help us gather data that we can present to important funders, such as the NHS, Ministry of Justice and local government, to reinforce the vital nature of what we do as a charity and to raise more funds to be able to support more survivors.”

Earlier this year on July 23, the National Police Chiefs’ Council launched a call to action, highlighting the deepening crisis of violence against women and girls, and the significant impact on men and boys.

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Data from a recent crime survey for England and Wales stated that about 16.6pc of adults over 16 (7.9 million people) had encountered sexual assault in their lifetime.

"The survey forms a critical part of our More Room to Care campaign", Mr Evans added.

"Gathering even more data will further strengthen our case when we are approaching funders and speaking to people who have the power to support us, as we support victims of sexual violence and abuse.”

Visit www.suelamberttrust.org/sexual-violence-survey to fill in the survey via Sue Lambert Trust.