Major changes proposed to sexual violence support services in Suffolk

Why it matters: The research, commissioned by key local organisations including Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner in December 2024, reveals significant gaps in current provision, with unclear signposting and delays in the criminal justice system acting as barriers for those seeking help.

The report was published on Tuesday, 22 April 2025, along with eight recommendations to improve support services.

The details: The study was conducted by academics from the University's Institute for Social Justice and Crime and Institute of Health and Wellbeing, who gathered evidence from victim-survivors, support service providers and commissioners.

Researchers identified several challenges:

• Signposting to support services was often unclear, deterring victim-survivors from seeking help
• Delays in referrals and accessing support were common
• Rural areas faced particular difficulties due to the urban location of most services
• Specialist therapeutic support was not consistently available
• Delays in the criminal justice process hampered victims' confidence

One practitioner described the wait for victims between reporting a crime and trial as "agonising," while a victim-survivor said the thought of going to court was "deeply unpleasant".

What they're saying: Professor Miranda Horvath, Director of the Institute of Social Justice and Crime, said: "Access to support for victim-survivors of sexual violence is a national problem, and we can see from the data in Suffolk that gaps in provision and barriers for accessing help can have a huge impact on victim-survivors".

Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I really welcome this comprehensive research on sexual violence. “Looking ahead it is crystal clear there needs to be a much more powerful commitment to collaboration and multi-agency working to improve the support and help provided to victims of this appalling crime.

“If we are to reduce the prevalence of sexual offences in Suffolk concerted action is required throughout the criminal justice system to bring offenders to justice. Much more also needs to be done to make sure our youngsters are brought up knowing how to make the right choices in life and what exactly healthy relationships involve.”

The bigger picture: The research highlighted that inconsistent funding has meant that support services cannot always meet demand. This was exacerbated by the closure of Suffolk Rape Crisis last summer, putting further pressure on existing services.

Few understand the impact of these financial pressures than Fiona Ellis, director of Survivors in Transition:

What's next: The eight recommendations include:

• A single 'front-door' approach to manage demand while retaining direct access to existing services
• Coordinated action for greater certainty of future funding
• Clearly defined terminology across policy and practice
• Enhanced multi-agency collaboration
• Improved prevention and early-intervention measures
• A trauma-informed approach to service provision
• Better data collection, particularly for minoritised groups and male victims
• Development of evidence-based best practice

The bottom line: The findings will be used by Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner, NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership, and NHS England to inform future policy-setting locally.