Consistency of support for victims of sexual and domestic abuse is set to be bolstered through new guidance published today (Friday 9 May).
New guidance on Independent Domestic Violence Advisers and updated guidance for Independent Sexual Violence Advisers will set out how these vital workers can best support brave survivors of physical and sexual abuse, News Cover reports, citing UK government.
The guidance will cover issues such as how to best help victims navigate the criminal justice system, or how to signpost survivors to support services in the community. It will also look at how advisers can better support the needs of the most vulnerable, including children, through the use of age-appropriate materials.
In addition, the government will publish the first ever guidance for Independent Stalking Advocates next year. The first of its kind, the guidance will be developed by experts in this area, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust.
This work forms part of the government’s commitment to halve violence against women and girls in the next decade and to create safer streets through its Plan for Change.
