New service to support victims of sexual violence

Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Keith Hunter has awarded a new three-year contract to give support to victims of rape and sexual violence across the Humberside Police force area.

Following a tender process, The Blue Door will provide support to both male and female victims, adults and children, through a network of Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs). The Blue Door had previously provided services on the South Bank of the Humber and their role will now be expanded across the whole force area.

The role of ISVAs is to provide ongoing support to victims of recent and historical sexual abuse and make sure they have the best advice on what counselling and other services are available to them, the process involved in reporting a crime to the police, and taking their case through the criminal justice process, should they choose to do so.

Keith Hunter said: “One of the priorities in my upcoming Police and Crime Plan will be to provide services to victims and the most vulnerable that meet their needs. Victims of sexual abuse need the best support we can give them.

“We already have a first class Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in the area providing round the clock care and support to people who experience sexual violence, and Humberside Police work closely with the health service and criminal justice system. The ISVAs are another vital part of helping victims to recover at a time when they need it most.”

Tony Gosling, Chair of The Blue Door said: "The ongoing good work which the Blue Door carries out on behalf of clients across North and North East Lincolnshire will now expand to the North Bank of the Humber Region.

“As a service we are pleased that the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner both recognises and supports the work we undertake on a daily basis in supporting male and female victims of sexual violence and abuse."

Blue Door Chief Executive Officer, Stephenie Price added: “The Blue Door is thrilled to be awarded the Humberside ISVA contract. This will enable us to offer high quality responses to victims across the region focussed on their specific needs, replicating our model of support from the South Bank. We will offer a single point of contact to Humberside Police, other partner agencies, victims and their families ensuring they are aware of how and where to access specialist advice and support when they need it the most.”

• The contract value is £800,000 for 3 years commencing on 30th September 2016. The funding is provided from the Ministry of Justice to the PCC who commissions the service locally.
  
  
• Get more information on The Blue Door at http://www.thebluedoor.org