A dedicated worker will bring partners together to join up work around sexual harms (sexual abuse, sexual violence and sexual exploitation.)
The post, hosted by Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency (MVDA,) will lead on the development of a multi-agency delivery plan.
The plan will coordinate Cleveland’s response and priorities to all-age sexual harms.
The post came about after roundtable talks at an OPCC-organised event last November.
Partners agreed that Cleveland did not currently have a designated forum to discuss sexual harms. They felt the area would benefit from a more joined-up approach.
As a result, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland (OPCC) bid for NHS England (NHSE)funding.
NHS England Funding
The successful bid attracted £90,823 to fund an independent co-ordinator to work with partners for 18 months.
The development manager will establish a network to bring together discussions, activities and future planning around sexual abuse, violence and exploitation across all age groups and genders in Cleveland.
The new Sexual Harms Network will collaborate to increase understanding and support improvements in partners’ collective responses.
As a result, the network will also seek to improve victim experience, satisfaction and confidence in the effectiveness of services.
Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey said: “While sexual abuse, violence and exploitation disproportionately effect women and girls, it’s important to stress that this new role will seek to improve the response to victims throughout our communities.
“Just as these crimes reach across all sectors of society, it’s important that all relevant agencies work together. This is to understand why these incidents happen and how to minimise their harm in future.”
Sarah Pritchard, Development Manager for Cleveland Sexual Harms Network, said: “Sexual harms are hidden in plain sight, and as a society talking and responding to issues about sex can bring many barriers.
“I am committed to understanding and dismantling those barriers as this type of harm can have such a devastating impact for all”.
MVDA will host the NHSE-funded role for 18 months. The OPCC will manage the role.