VICTIMS of sexual assault have been urged to report their abusers to police.

Wiltshire Police's lead officer for tackling sexual abuse made the plea during National Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, which runs until Sunday.

Supt Sarah Robbins said: “We take all reports of sex assault extremely seriously.

"While I fully understand just how difficult and daunting it may be for a victim to come forward and take that first step in reporting their ordeal to police please be reassured that we will provide you with support throughout the process and we will conduct extremely thorough investigations to ensure offenders are put before the courts and justice is served.

“For some people, who have already been through an extremely traumatic ordeal at the hands of their abuser, they just don’t want to engage with police for whatever reason, and we do recognise this. That is why this week we will also be highlighting the many other support agencies available who can help you if you would prefer.”

In the 12 months to September last year Wiltshire Police received more than 1,500 reports of sexual crimes. That was down five per cent on the previous year, according to official statistics.