Survivors of sexual violence in Suffolk are being urged to lend their voices to research that aims to map support services for the first time.
The University of Suffolk’s Institute for Social Justice and Crime and Institute of Health and Wellbeing will be conducting a survey of survivors and providers throughout January.
The project, which researchers hope will increase conviction rates for sex offenders and guide decision making, began in December and its findings will be published in March
The University of Suffolk in Ipswich. Picture: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown Photography
Professor Miranda Horvath, director of the Institute for Social Justice and Crime at the University of Suffolk said the research came at a critical time for support services in the county after the closure of Suffolk Rape Crisis last year.
This has placed additional pressures on other services for sexual abuse victims, she said.
Prof Horvath said: “Ensuring victims of sexual violence have access to the right support services is crucial to their wellbeing.
Prof Miranda Horvath hoped the research would help inform decision making on sexual violence. Picture: UoS
“With so many victims withdrawing from police investigations after they have reported their experiences, more must be done to provide them with the support they deserve, which in turn could assist with sex offenders being brought to justice.
“This research will provide a vital evidence base to inform decision making in Suffolk around service provision in the future.
“The approach we are taking to create this evidence base has the potential to be rolled out in other counties and nationally.”
Professor Valerie Gladwell, director of the University of Suffolk’s Institute of Health and Wellbeing said sexual violence remains a significant problem in both Suffolk and across the UK.
Prof Gladwell warned of the long-term impact of sexual violence on victims. Picture: UoS
Long-lasting impacts include depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
According to data provided by the university, victims of sexual abuse in Suffolk withdrew from police investigations 45 per cent of the time.
In addition, figures from the Crime Survey for England and Wales in 2020 estimated that only one in six victims of rape or assault by penetration reported the crime to police.
The university’s Institute for Social Justice and Crime previously reported that budget limitations and capacity issues played a role in ‘systemic constraints’ for support services in the county.
Tim Passmore, Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner
All victims over the age of 18, support providers or those that fund services are urged to take part in the research.
Victims or survivors of sexual violence who wish to take part should fill out this survey.
Workers involved in support services should fill out the survey at this link, while funders and commissioners should use this link.
“By ensuring the voices of victims, support services and commissioners are included in this research, we can help inform the future strategies which will deliver a cohesive, joined-up approach to support in our county,” Prof Gladwell added.
Researchers involved with the project are already working with Suffolk-based providers.
Tim Passmore, Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner, welcomed the research.
He felt there was a ‘desperate need’ to improve detection and conviction rates for sex crimes and highlighted an ongoing concern at victims’ reluctance to report as well as the volume of investigations they are withdrawing from.
Mr Passmore added: “This new research will help identify gaps in provision which will highlight where additional investment is required, and how existing resources can be used much better.
“Overall, I believe this work will make a huge contribution to making Suffolk safer, in particular for women and girls.”