Survivors of sexual violence speak out about vital support lifeline in No More Week

Survivors of sexual abuse and violence have praised a special service funded by Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews for turning around their lives as the nation observes No More Week.

The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland PCC funds a dedicated Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) for victims of sexual violence and sexual abuse with learning difficulties through the Leicester based charity FreeVA (Free from Violence & Abuse).

Many of the service users have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, Autism, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Slow Processing Disorder or all of these in conjunction with physical health conditions which may impact their capacity to stay safe and protect themselves.

Some may be unable to identify the potential harm posed by others and lack the ability to make decisions to risk assess situations. This can leave them more vulnerable to re-victimisation.

Through the dedicated ISVA role, survivors can access sensitive support that boosts their confidence, promotes self-esteem, encourages healthy relationships and provides meaningful, empathetic support tailored around their personal needs to ensure they feel safe, trusted, listened to and heard. This in turn increases the likelihood they will remain engaged with the criminal justice process to hold their perpetrators accountable.

The success of the scheme is being highlighted as part of No More Week (March 4-9) – an annual global campaign encouraging communities and organisations to come together to raise awareness of domestic abuse and sexual violence and to inspire change. It coincides with International Women’s Day on March 8 and calls on society to speak up and speak out to create a safer future.

One service user commented: “I would not be here if it wasn't for my ISVA Nicky and the support I have received has been so amazing.

“You have listened to me at my worst times and not judged me for the wrongs I have done. You have always had my best interests at heart, and I thank you for that. FreeVA and Nicky made me feel so safe, it was comfortable and I felt safe.”

Survivors consistently praise the ISVA service for making the criminal justice journey smoother and easier.

One said: “Your care has been amazing, you made the process so much nicer, even my mum felt supported by yourself at court, even my boyfriend said that you were absolutely amazing. I feel comforted as you were so familiar to me, I felt massively supported. I cannot thank you enough.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews said: “We always listen and learn from survivors to ensure the support we offer fully meets their needs. This service is no exception, and lives literally depend on us getting it right.

“The impact of the ISVA’s support is profoundly positive and not only promotes immediate recovery but instils the vital self-care tools that are needed to prevent future harm.

“This Prevention theme runs throughout my Police and Crime Plan. We know that nationally domestic abuse and sexual violence crimes are growing. Every time we stop one of these offences from happening, we prevent a victim from experiencing a lifetime of emotional and psychological harm. Prevention must remain our goal.”

Specialist support is critical for vulnerable survivors as it provides a dedicated single point of contact who can answer all their questions. This is necessary to help them understand the criminal justice process, navigate their way through police investigations and ensures they are not alone at court.

ISVAs provide practical help with benefits or housing and can make referrals to specialist counselling or to GP services to help service users access mental health support.

Without this tailored support a victim with additional needs may struggle to navigate alone due to their complex needs.

Freeva’s ISVA Nicky said: “What is to be celebrated is the strength of this highly vulnerable client group, working alongside me, building trust in me to the point of going to trial and having their voice believed and heard.

“My days are never the same but just receiving the feedback makes my role worthwhile. Watching a client have a successful outcome at trial is the best job ever!”