New Partnership Supporting Survivors of Sexual Violence Across Devon and Cornwall launches

The Bridge Project South West is proud to be taking on the delivery of the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Service across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

This exciting new partnership brings together the expertise of seven organisations to help survivors of sexual violence get justice.

Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) offer free, impartial, confidential support to people who have been sexually assaulted, raped or abused. They help people make informed choices about reporting to the police and understand what their rights and options are. ISVAs are there for all genders, ages, ethnicities and backgrounds, ensuring that every individual gets the tailored support they need. The service is funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and NHS England.

Anyone currently working with an ISVA across Devon and Cornwall will continue to receive support.

The Bridge Project unites the collective expertise of seven highly skilled local organisations: The Women’s Centre Cornwall, Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services, the Children’s Society, Intercom Trust, West Cornwall Women’s Aid, the Olive Project and Konnect Communities.

Jackie May, Chief Executive of the Women’s Centre Cornwall, says: “We are proud to have been selected to lead and deliver the ISVA service. Every survivor of sexual violence deserves compassionate, independent specialist support to help them make informed choices and cope with what has happened to them. We’re delighted to be welcoming the team of committed and experienced ISVAs into our partnership and looking forward to supporting them to deliver an excellent service for survivors.”

The partnership has designed the service with the aim of increasing choice for those affected by sexual violence. Dr. Davina Cull, Chief Executive Officer of Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services, highlighted the value of offering a range of options:

“People affected by rape, sexual violence, and abuse tell us all the time that having choices about how to get their needs met is crucial for supporting their healing. This new partnership brings together an incredible collection of organisations with significant and diverse specialist knowledge and expertise, which we are confident will not only increase choice but will broaden the help and support available across Devon and Cornwall.”

Andy Hunt, Chief Executive Officer of the Intercom Trust, also emphasised the importance of supporting marginalised communities: “Here at Intercom Trust, we are beyond excited to be part of this dynamic group of organisations. Through this partnership, we will be able to reach out to more hidden survivors of sexual violence from our LGBT+ communities. We will be able to work with more clients who can be their authentic selves in a safe space, which we know through the success of our Safer Rainbow project will make such a difference to people's lives.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez said she was proud to be able to offer people affected by sexual violence a choice of specialist support through the new partnership.

She said: “There is no one size fits all approach to any crime. Rape and sexual offences are particularly complex and can leave people who experience them feeling overwhelmed, and unable to persist with seeking justice, so it’s vital that the right support and specialism is in place.

“I am committed to ensuring all victims can seek the right help for them, and I am pleased my office is funding this new ISVA service which will help everyone including our minority communities in Devon and Cornwall access high-quality specialist support when they need it.”

If you or someone you know might need the support of an ISVA, there are lots of ways to get in touch. Call the NHS Sexual Assault Referral Helpline on 0300 303 4626 or visit www.sarchelp.co.uk where you can also access medical help if you need it. Alternatively you can contact the Bridge Project directly on 01208 220212 or info@bridgeprojectsw.org.uk.

For more information visit www.bridgeprojectsw.org.uk