Decision details

1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men have experienced sexual abuse during their childhood, and this figure could be even higher.

Not only were these experiences horrific to them at the time, but they must live with the effects of these dreadful crimes throughout their lives. 

Victims of sexual abuse consistently say that there is not enough support available to them, and that there is insufficient awareness of the trauma they carry every day, forever.

1 May is an annual day to remember the victims; to raise awareness of this appalling crime, and to remind us that sexual abuse can happen to any child, in any community.  Sexual abuse does not recognize cultural, social, linguistic, religious, gender or racial differences. It can happen anywhere, to anyone.

Not My Shame is the campaign group that organises this annual event, holding a minute's silence on this date each year to remember the pain of sexual abuse victims around the world.

We call upon Cyngor Gwynedd to recognise this date every year from now on, and to adopt it as a day of remembrance for victims.  We call on the Council to fly the campaign flag above its headquarters on 1 May  every year to clearly state that sexual abuse is not the victim's shame, it is the offender's shame.  We call upon Cyngor Gwynedd to draw public attention on 1 May every year to the support available to victims, and to explain to the public how and where they can report sexual abuse or child protection concerns.