Sexual violence is any unwanted behaviour perceived to be of a sexual nature or sexual contact that takes place without consent or mutual understanding. The effects of sexual violence on victims can include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, drug and substance misuse, self-harm and suicide.
However, when victims receive the support they need when they need it, they are more likely to take positive steps to recovery. It is therefore important that victims of sexual violence have good access to effective services, whether or not they wish to report incidents to the police. Addressing the needs of victims of sexual violence through the provision of accessible specialist services can deliver benefits in terms of better health and well-being and quality of life.
There are also long-term productivity savings in services and costs to society when the immediate effects of sexual assault are managed effectively. It is generally accepted that there is no entirely accurate way of measuring the true extent of sexual violence. There is a national and local increase in the number of sexual violence incidents being reported to the police. Even after taking this increase into account estimates through the Crime Survey of England and Wales indicate that there are still significant levels of under reporting.
There is no shared vision across Teesside, it is unclear who is responsible for commissioning what service and there are risks of duplication and double funding. Many clients have to travel to other areas for services that are not available in the area where they live.
There has been a significant annual shortfall in SARC funding that has been met on an ad-hoc basis by the commissioners. There has not been a review of SARC funding since the initial financial agreements of partners in Due to inconsistencies between the Tees specialist sexual violence services, it is difficult for professionals and members of the public to understand what services are on offer.
