Local Government Support for Survivors

At the end of last month, the list of people vying to become our local councillors was released.

There are currently 57 who are elected and responsible for setting and monitoring policies, strategies and service delivery to meet the needs of residents and those who work in the county.

But how do you decide who to vote for on Thursday, May 1st?

Some of you will be aligned to a particular political party and some, like me, will make choices on issues that matter personally.

I want to choose someone who I think will make a difference locally, someone that will stand up for those who may not have a voice rather than someone who is in it for their own quest for power and status.

Unsurprisingly, my choice is based around their response to and support for survivors of sexual violence.

When potential councillors knock on my door I always ask for their views, plans and how they will use their role to support survivors to make things better. The responses are varied.

Some have never considered it; some do not want to discuss the subject.

I heard recently that some representatives think that support for survivors is ‘woke’ and others do not think it is a problem within Worcestershire.

I disagree.

In the last financial year our centre had nearly 1,700 new referrals for support from survivors across Worcestershire.

That figure is only for new referrals, not including existing clients, and should, I think, convince anyone that sexual violence is a significant issue within the county.

As a centre, we offer a range of support services to adults and children (five-plus years) who have experienced any form of sexual violence or abuse at any time during their lives.

If it were your partner or child that was assaulted, wouldn’t you want them to get the support they need when they need it?

The impacts of sexual violence can be devastating and last a lifetime.

Support for survivors and preventative work is essential and it needs to be a multi-agency response. I have over the last few months contacted all the existing 57 councillors within Worcestershire.

I have asked for their support for survivors, to commit to developing a sexual violence strategy for Worcestershire and offered to meet with them and discuss the work we do.

We need a strategy to look at prevention, establish data sets to make informed decisions, develop clear support pathways and have sustainably-commissioned support services.

As I write at the start of April I have had nine replies, eight of whom are genuinely interested in making positive changes to support survivors.

I am not sure what that says about the remaining 48 but perhaps if they turn up on your doorstep you might consider asking them?

For the full Worcester News article, click here.