Author and Job Role: Lucy Thomas, Commissioning & Policy Lead for Victim Services
Protective Marking: OFFICIAL
Executive Summary:
Police & Crime Commissioners have the statutory responsibility to provide services to support victims cope and recover. The Ministry of Justice have provided additional funding until 2024/25 for Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs). This service is to extend the current provision in Surrey for dedicated child ISVAs.
Background
Sexual violence of any kind is a traumatic experience and for children and young people can have dramatic repercussions for the rest of their lives. In addition to group and individual therapy to help their recovery, children, young people and their families need practical support in the aftermath of any incident and through any court proceedings. This can be a stressful experience as it may involve a re-telling of the traumatic incident.
The CISVA is focused on this practical, supportive role, acting as an independent advocate for the child/young person and providing support for historic and recent allegations.
Recommendation
The grant of £62,146 per annum from the Ministry of Justice is awarded to Surrey and Borders Partnership to extend the CISVA provision in Surrey until the end of 2024/25.
Police and Crime Commissioner Approval
I approve the recommendation(s):
Signature: Lisa Townsend, Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey (wet signed copy held in Commissioner’s Office)
Date: 20th October 2022
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