To mark Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has announced a significant investment in specialist support for survivors reaffirming her commitment to putting victims’ voices at the heart of her Police, Crime and Justice Plan.
A new contract for Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) support services will be commissioned to begin on 1st April 2026, increasing the core funding envelope from £280,530 per year to £375,376.27 in 2026/27.
This uplift reflects the Commissioner’s pledge, shared with the PCC and Chief Constable of Durham Constabulary Rachel Bacon, to ensure survivors receive timely, responsive, safe and effective support. This underlines their joint commitment to delivering a first-class service for victims at every stage of their recovery.
Funded through the Ministry of Justice’s Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (DA & SV)allocations, the contract will run for an initial two years, with the option to extend for a further 12 months, dependent on performance.
The Commissioner highlighted that survivors’ experiences and insights have shaped the direction of the Police, Crime and Justice Plan and directly informed the development of this new service specification, noting:
“Survivors have told me what helps, what harms and where the system must do better. Their voices are the reason we are expanding this service and strengthening the support available. No one should ever feel they are facing trauma alone.”
The enhanced service will provide independent support to anyone affected by sexual violence inCounty Durham and Darlington, ensuring access regardless of age, gender, or protected characteristics. Support will include help navigating victims’ rights, health and wellbeing needs, reporting options, the criminal justice process and routes into wider statutory and community services.
The service is designed to remain with a survivor for as long as needed or until a different service is better placed to meet their needs.
The Commissioner’s ambition is to secure a provider with the expertise, capacity and compassion to deliver a first‑class outreach service across the area. Expectations set out in the specification prioritise safety, accessibility, trauma‑informed practice and meaningful outcomes for victims.
“This investment is a concrete step towards a system where every survivor is believed, supported and empowered to move forward. Our goal is simple: the right help, at the right time.”
The formal tender process opens week commencing 9th February 2026, with applications to be submitted via the procurement portal. If interested, please register on Bluelight’s Portal first and once the tender is live, you will need to register on the Durham Portal: https://sell2.in-tend.co.uk/blpd/home. Further information will be made available to prospective providers.
With concerns over proposals to merge police into 12 regional forces, PCC Joy Allen explains why the public deserve to have a say
PCC Joy Allen explains in her own words why spiking, in all its forms, must be treated with the seriousness it deserves.
“Police Reform must be built on evidence and consent - not change for change’s sake.”
