Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber has today (25/11) visited Thames Valley charity Hope After Harm which is providing support to victims of sexual violence across Thames Valley.
The Thames Valley Sexual Violence Service is delivered by Hope After Harm, (previously the Thames Valley Partnership) and was funded and commissioned by the PCC earlier this year to support victims of sexual violence across the Thames Valley as part of his wider Victims First provision.
On his visit on White Ribbon Day, the PCC met the team to hear more about developments in the service and how it has been supporting victims of sexual violence to cope with the impact of their experience. Since its launch in April 2024, the service has supported 686 people.
Matthew Barber said: “One of my top priorities is to continue to support the police, criminal justice partners and victim services to help those who are subject to some of the worst crimes imaginable.
“This dedicated free support to people affected by sexual violence and abuse is key in rebuilding lives and is offering a much needed service to hundreds of victims.
I am pleased to be able to visit today and meet the team delivering this invaluable support, and to find out more about the impact it is having in helping victims and survivors across our communities.
I know it can be difficult for victims of crime, especially those who have experienced sexual violence or domestic abuse, to reach out for help. Victims do not need to have reported the crime to the police to receive support. This White Ribbon Day I urge anyone needing support to contact Victims First on 0300 1234 148.”
The Thames Valley Sexual Violence Service offers a range of support including specialist Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) who offer emotional and practical 1-2-1 support and who can support victims through the criminal justice system. In addition, a range of peer support and informal and structured specialist group support has also been developed. The support is available to all victims of sexual violence in the Thames Valley regardless of whether the crime was reported to the police or not and can be accessed both if the crime was recent or historic.
Thalia Jervis, CEO of Hope After Harm said: “It is our privilege to be there to support victims of sexual violence through the darkest of times. We are hugely grateful to the PCC for their support. And also, to our dedicated and expert Independent Sexual Violence Advisers who provide such expert and compassionate help, alongside our volunteers, enabling those we serve to move on with their lives.”
The PCC for Thames Valley and Thames Valley Police are supporting White Ribbon Day, which aims to prevent violence against women and girls by addressing its root causes and this year focuses on the theme “It Starts With Men.” It aims to encourage men to hold themselves accountable to women, and to each other to bring about positive behaviour change to transform harmful cultures.
