Commissioner launches improved support service for people affected by Sexual Violence

Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner, Jonathan Evison, is launching a new Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) service, improving and enhancing the local support for victims and families who have experiences sexual violence.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has partnered with the Blue Door CiC to deliver a new service to support victims and people affected Sexual Violence in the Humber Region. The ISVA Service launches on 1st April and will offer support and guidance for people in the region.

The service will be provided by The Blue Door, an independent Community Interest Company dedicated to supporting people affected by sexual harm and associated traumatic incidents, providing specialist practical and emotional support to victims and families. The new service can be accessed by anyone who has experienced harm from sexual violence and abuse– including victims and their families - in Hull, the East Riding of Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire.

The new service represents an investment of £2million over the next four years in addition to supplementary funding for therapeutic support and counselling of £528,000  and, as with all commissioned victims services is dedicated to supporting the government’s Victims and Prisoners Bill. It is supported by a new award from the Ministry of Justice Rape And Sexual Abuse Fund. 

Jonathan Evison, the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner said: “I have listened to victims of serious offences and commissioned this service in response to what they told me so that their needs are met and increase the emotional safety and wellbeing of people in our region who experience sexual violence and abuse. This service will support survivors to create a safe environment to help rebuild their lives."

Steph Price CEO of the Blue Door said:

"We are thrilled to be given the opportunity to deliver this innovative new support service to those who have experienced the trauma of sexual violence and abuse. The service will provide immediate recovery support and practical help and advice for anyone in the region who needs us. A new Sexual Violence Support Centre in Hull will open in April 2024, to compliment our existing Centres in Scunthorpe and Grimsby, as well extending our support out in the community reaching all areas of the region. Support hours will be increased to offer help and care for those who need it, at the time that they need it the most."