Vital service to help victims of sexual abuse in the county to be launched

Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lorne Green is encouraging suitable organisations to bid to provide a specialist service to support victims and survivors of sexual abuse in the county.

The service will run over five years and will help adult and child victims of sexual abuse, including survivors of historic child sex abuse.

The £1.48 million contract, managed by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCCN), will secure a specialist provider or consortium of providers to provide a countywide support service.

Organisations that can demonstrate the right expertise and specialisms are now being invited to come forward.

PCC Lorne Green, said: “Supporting victims and reducing vulnerability is one of my key priorities as Norfolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner.

“Due to a number of high profile cases both nationally and closer to home, and an unprecedented increase in reports of recent and historic abuse to the police, demand for sexual abuse support services has increased exponentially in recent years.

“The crimes these men, women and children have experienced are heinous and, having found the courage and confidence to speak up about what has happened to them, we owe it to them to ensure the specialist services they need are available.

“I would encourage organisations who meet the criteria to come forward - together we can work to make a real difference.”

The object of the service will be to:

• Support men, women and children aged over 11 who have been victims of sexual abuse/violence child sexual abuse (CSA) or victims of historic child sex abuse (HCSA).
• Help victims to cope and recover and be protected from re-victimisation.
• provide a service that is respectful, sensitive, tailored and delivered to meet the individual needs of the victim
• Ensure continued work with existing providers to provide the best possible pro-active service in the county.

Who can apply and how?

Organisations that can demonstrate they meet the necessary criteria and are able to deliver a service across Norfolk.

Partnership bids will be accepted, however one partner must take the lead and administer the contract/funds on behalf of the partnership.

All correspondence, including application and clarification questions will be managed through the national Bluelight EU Supply Portal which can be found at https://uk.eu-supply.com Full details and deadlines are also available on the Bluelight website.

Deadline for applications is Wednesday 3 July 2019.