British Transport Police (BTP) has announced a new partnership with The Survivors Trust, becoming the first policing body to offer a consistent national support service for victims of serious sexual violence across Great Britain.

The agreement will see Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) available to victims of rape or serious sexual assault in England and Wales through The Survivors Trust, extending provision that already exists in Scotland via Rape Crisis Scotland. Together, this means people reporting offences on the rail network anywhere in Great Britain will now be able to access dedicated specialist support.

ISVAs act as a single point of contact for victims throughout the criminal justice process, providing guidance from the point of reporting an offence, through the investigation and, if applicable, to court proceedings. Their role is independent from police or judicial bodies, focusing on helping victims understand their rights and options. Referrals will be handled by Sexual Offence Liaison Officers (SOLOs), with contact expected to be made within 72 hours.

According to BTP, the initiative has already resulted in four referrals for victims of the most serious 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, welcomed the collaboration, stating:

"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."

Image: British Transport Police