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Announced on 2 April....

Sexual Violence and Abuse Action Plan (SVAAP)

Sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse are two of the most serious and damaging crimes in our society. For victims, these crimes represent a violation which can have significant and ongoing consequences for health and wellbeing. These individuals deserve to be supported, to be treated with dignity and respect, and to see their offenders brought to justice. We have worked across Government to develop an Action Plan which sets out how we plan to deliver key objectives on sexual violence and abuse, representing an important step in taking forward this Government’s agenda on protecting the public. For more information click here

Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA)

In 2006-07 we provided grants of £20,000 to 38 projects across England and Wales to provide Independent Sexual Violence Advisor services for victims of sexual violence and abuse. These workers operate in a multi-agency setting to provide advocacy and support to victims. On 2 April, the Home Office announced a further £760,000 to continue funding these services and evaluate the programme in 2007-08. For further information on Independent Sexual Violence Advisors click here

Sexual Assault Referral Centres

Extending the network of Sexual Assault Referral Centres, which provide medical care, support and forensic services for victims of sexual assault, is a priority for the Government. Additional funding of £1 million to further extend the network of SARCs in 2007-08 has been announced. For more information click here

Rape Crisis and Survivors Trust

Rape Crisis England and Wales and The Survivors Trust are the two main umbrella groups supporting local sexual violence and abuse voluntary sector organisations to deliver services on the ground. The Home Office is making £150,000 available to support the work of these organisations in 2007-08. For further information about services providing care for victims of sexual violence and abuse, click here

On 2 April the ACMD published a report on drug-facilitated sexual assault. To view their report see the ACMD web page.

To view the Government's response to the ACMD report click here.

Last update: Thursday, May 29, 2008