ARCH Teesside has been awarded a contract to continue to run a service to support survivors of sexual violence.
The new Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) contract lasts 18 months with the option to extend for a further two years after that.
ISVAs tailor support to the needs of the victim. They also provide information to victims and to the families of children and young people. ISVAs also assess the risks to make sure everyone is safe
In addition, ISVAs provide emotional and practical support before, during and after criminal and civil court cases.
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland (OPCC) carried out an open tender process online. That was to ensure the process was competitive, fair, open and transparent.
ARCH Teesside has run the PCC’s stand-alone ISVA contract for more than seven years. It was successful in the tender process.
Largest Provider
The charity is currently the largest provider of sexual violence support in Teesside.
Nicky Harkin, Chief Executive Officer of ARCH Teesside, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with the OPCC, having delivered specialist ISVA services across Cleveland since 2019.
“During that time, the service has continued to evolve in response to the changing needs of survivors.
“We have adapted our support to respond to emerging forms of sexual abuse and exploitation, strengthened our provision for children and young people, and increasingly recognised the impact that sexual violence also has on parents, carers, and family members.
“In this time, thousands of survivors have accessed support through the service, receiving independent advocacy, practical assistance, and emotional support.
“We know the difference this makes because survivors tell us. One person shared, “Without your support, I wouldn’t have gone through with this. For the first time, I felt believed and understood, and having some-one beside me throughout the process, made me feel less alone. I feel more confident for the future.”
“We are proud of what has been achieved in partnership with the OPCC over the last seven years and look forward to continuing to provide high-quality, trauma-informed support which helps survivors feel heard, believed and empowered to move forward with their lives.”
Priorities in the Police and Crime Plan
The ISVA service supports many of the priorities set out in the Police and Crime Plan.
It supports victims and vulnerable people and improves victim outcomes. It also ensures individuals affected by sexual violence can access timely, high-quality specialist support.
Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey said: “It is important that survivors of sexual violence receive the best possible support to help them survive and thrive after trauma.
“After rigorous assessment during the tender process as well as years of working closely with Arch, I am sure the charity is best placed to provide the tailored support, which survivors so desperately need.”