, Co-Chair of the APPG on
Sexual Violence, today welcomed the Government’s announcement of
an additional 10% funding for specialist rape and sexual abuse
support services over a three-year funding cycle. The Ministry of
Justice also announced a pilot of devolved commissioning to five
Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs).
Sarah Champion has been campaigning for additional investment for
victims. The funding will provide advice, support and counselling
to victims whether or not they choose to go through the criminal
justice system.
Research from Bristol University has found that women who
are supported by an Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA),
usually via specialist rape and sexual violence services,
throughout the criminal justice process are twice as likely to
get a charge, twice as likely to get to trial and twice as likely
to get a conviction.
Commenting on the additional funding, Sarah Champion said:
‘It is positive to see the Ministry of Justice recognising
the need for additional funding for specialist sexual violence
services. Vital services like Rape Crisis already have waiting
lists in the thousands so while the extra money is welcome, the
Government needs to be investing more to keep up with the ever
increasing demand.
The evidence clearly shows that victims supported by ISVAs
get better criminal justice outcomes - the likelihood of getting
a rape conviction is doubled.’
As part of the announced changes the Ministry of Justice
announced funding for rape support services on a three-year
basis, something that will provide additional security.
Sarah Champion commented:
‘Three-year funding provides more security to those
delivering services. It allows staff to get on with the job
without the constant threat of redundancy notices as they wait
for next year’s funding announcement. Three-year funding should
be the standard for the every round of the Rape Support
Fund.’
On the pilot devolving commissioning to five regions, Sarah said:
‘I welcome the proposed pilot to devolve commissioning to
five PCCs. The trials should include the publication of a
Victim’s Offer so that local people are clear about where they
can access local services if they become a victim of crime. The
Victim’s Commissioner should be given an independent mandate to
develop minimum standards so that local and national government
can be held to account.’
