Evaluation of Sexual Abuse and Assault Support Services in Norfolk and Waveney

In Autumn 2019 Healthwatch Norfolk were commissioned by the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Network and funded by the National Lottery Awards for All programme to undertake a qualitative evaluation of sexual abuse or assault support services available in Norfolk.

Healthwatch Norfolk surveyed local service providers to gain an understanding of the services they provide, their response to service user feedback and the changes made during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Responses were received from 24 organisations, 10 of which did not provide any relevant services. 4 other services were identified during the research, giving a total of 18 organisations responding, some of which respondent more than twice, reflecting different elements of service provision.

The report details 8 recommendations.

1. Information regarding agencies available should be kept geographically relevant and up to date.
2. The CCG and Council should ensure commissioned services are publicised on all relevant websites.
3. Website information regarding sexual abuse and assault support should be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
4. Commissioned services should work to raise their profiles in the public domain, including exploring Search Engine Optimisation.
5. Commissioned services should work more closely together.
6. Organisations should collaborate where possible.
7. Commissioners should explore ways in which services could be commissioned for longer periods.
8. Healthwatch Norfolk should undertake further work on this topic.