County’s Sexual Abuse Charity Appoints New CEO

A well-known figure in Derbyshire’s voluntary sector has been officially appointed CEO of the county’s leading charity that supports victims of sexual abuse.

Rachel Morris is now head of SV2 which has bases in Ripley, Derby and Buxton and provides a wide range of services to support victims and survivors of sexual abuse regardless of their age, gender, when the offence took place or whether they have reported the crime to police or not.

The charity also supports the wider families and works to prevent and raise awareness of rape and sexual abuse and their effects through training and education programmes across the county.

Mrs Morris has previously held senior positions in a wide range of organisations including Derby Diocese, Derby Cathedral, YMCA, Relate and DHA, The Derby Law Centre.

As well as her role at SV2, she continues her voluntary positions at the Derby County Community Trust as a Trustee and the Friends of Derby 500 Club which she founded two years ago to support local families in crisis.

She explained: “Having spent the majority of my working life dedicated to supporting people facing challenge and building resilience in local communities, I am delighted to have joined such a worthwhile organisation providing much needed support, training and awareness across the county.

“Sexual abuse should not exist and no one should deal with it alone.  SV2 is here to support and empower the victims, inform the public and protect future generations.

“We all face challenging times in terms of increased demand for services coupled with funding pressures but I am very impressed with the passion and commitment of the SV2 team and trustees alike and I am honoured to be part of the next chapter in this long-established and high regarded charity.”