New guide helps survivors of sexual violence in Derbyshire

A new online booklet has been unveiled in Derbyshire to help survivors of sexual violence find help and support quickly.

‘Your Journey - Sexual violence - a survivor's guide to support and reporting' has been created by the Nottinghamshire Consent Coalition - a group of both statutory and voluntary organisations working together to raise awareness of consent and to reduce sexual violence. 

Already in use across Nottinghamshire, the booklet has now been specially adapted in partnership with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) in Derbyshire for use across the county.

It follows research undertaken by the OPCC in Derbyshire last year which amassed the ‘lived experiences' of survivors of sexual abuse to identify improvements needed in their care.

These insights not only highlighted the immense and devastating impact of these crimes on the lives of survivors but also revealed common barriers to accessing help including not knowing where to look for support and or which services to approach.

Survivors described support services as ‘life changing' in the research, highlighting the importance of survivors being able to access the services they need easily.

As a result, ‘Your Journey' is designed to help survivors access the information they need quickly and easily - and in one place.

The booklet contains advice and information about the different types of support available for survivors, such as guidance to help in making key personal decisions, and how an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) can provide support, alongside what to expect during an investigation and a court appearance. There is also a section on how to access support services if a report hasn't been made to the police alongside a comprehensive list of support agencies in Derbyshire offering help and advice to all survivors.

‘Your Journey' is available electronically and can be printed off as a resource for both survivors and professionals, has been structured to be transparent and reassuring at every step of a survivor's path to justice and recovery.

Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts has pledged to step up efforts to tackle violence and sexual violence against women throughout her term, reflecting the strength of feeling on the issue among residents in her recent survey. She has also spoken of her determination to improve support for all victims of crime and increase safeguarding to prevent future victimisation.

Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts said: "Survivors of sexual abuse carry emotional scars for life, and it is vital professional help is accessed at the earliest opportunity to initiate the healing process.

"The wellbeing and recovery of survivors of sexual violence and indeed all victims of crime is a priority for me. This new resource reassures survivors that they are not alone, and that help from compassionate and experienced practitioners is within reach. Importantly, it also walks them through the steps to accessing that help and how to report what they have experienced to police if it is their wish.

"I am immensely grateful to the Nottinghamshire Consent Coalition for their approval in creating this Derbyshire-specific resource and for all those who played a role in developing it. I also applaud the courageous survivors who shared their experiences as part of the OPCC's research. These insights are helping us to make improvements that will benefit survivors both now and in the future."

Louise Graham, Consent Coalition Manager, added: "At the Consent Coalition, we understand the importance of giving sexual violence survivors the choice and control over their own journey. The ‘Your Journey' booklet was designed to answer questions about support and reporting, providing reassurance to survivors that they are not alone and that we are here to help. The Consent Coalition is thrilled to work with our partners in Derbyshire to create a localised ‘Your Journey' booklet. Survivors are at the heart of our work, and we champion the importance of supporting them everywhere."

Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden said: "The Your Journey booklet is a fantastic resource to support survivors of sexual violence and has been well used in Nottinghamshire for a number of years, after being created by the Nottinghamshire Consent Coalition with PCC funding.

"It is great to see it being expanded into Derbyshire and I know it will be a valuable asset that will support many more people to seek justice and to recover from the trauma of sexual violence."

Your Journey can be found on the Consent Coalition website.

Information on the support and help available for all types of crime can be found on the Derbyshire Victim Services website.