Recommendation 9

It is essential that the Government and other commissioning bodies have an understanding of the level of need and the current availability of specialist sexual violence and abuse services, including counselling and therapy and the support offered by Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs). As HMICFRS and HMCPSI have done, we recommend that the Government undertake a comprehensive mapping and monitoring exercise, covering the provision of specialist sexual violence and abuse services in England and Wales, similar to that which the Domestic Abuse Commissioner is focusing on for specialist domestic abuse services. This would need to be truly cross-Government, including the Department for Health and Social Care, and take account of integrated care systems, Police and Crime Commissioners and other sources of funding for these vital support services.