BTP Partners with The Survivors Trust for Nationwide Sexual Violence Support

British Transport Police (BTP) has partnered with The Survivors Trust to become the first force to provide consistent, national support for victims of serious sexual violence.

The Survivors Trust offers Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) to be a single point of contact for victims of rape and serious sexual assault in England and Wales. 

With existing provisions in Scotland through Rape Crisis Scotland, BTP can now offer this service right across Great Britain. 

ISVAs are the single point of contact throughout the process – from the initial report, through to supporting the police investigation and up to the criminal justice outcome, ensuring the individual needs of the victims are met at every stage.

The role of an ISVA is to support victims and ensure they understand their options and rights, working independently from the police or courts.  Victims will be referred to ISVAs by specially trained Sexual Offence Liaison Officers (SOLOs), and within 72 hours of referral contact will be made with the individual. 

The partnership has already seen four referrals for victims of the most serious of sexual offences.

BTP Detective Superintendent Sam Painter said: "As a national force it is vitally important that we provide consistent and dedicated support to victims of rape and serious sexual assault right across Great Britain. 

"Tackling sexual violence towards women and girls is a top priority for BTP, and this new partnership with The Survivors Trust reaffirms our commitment to getting justice for victims of this horrific criminality.  

Fay Maxted, Chief Executive of The Survivors Trust said: "We are really excited to be working with British Transport Police on this project. We know there is a huge need for survivors who experience rape or serious sexual offences to be able to access support or advice as soon as they can. 

"To know that there is now a really easy and convenient way for them to be referred to an ISVA is something we are really pleased to support."