Voluntary sector specialist service provision and commissioning for victim-survivors of sexual violence: results from two national surveys in England

Damery, Sarah, Gunby, Clare ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8428-6621, Hebberts, Lucy, Patterson, Laura, Smailes, Harriet, Harlock, Jenny, Isham, Louise, Maxted, Fay, Schaub, Jason, Smith, Deb, Taylor, Julie and Bradbury-Jones, Caroline (2024) Voluntary sector specialist service provision and commissioning for victim-survivors of sexual violence: results from two national surveys in England. BMJ Open, 14 (9). e087810. ISSN 2044-6055

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Abstract

Background: In England, voluntary sector specialist (VSS) services are central to supporting victim-survivors of sexual violence (SV). However, empirical evidence is lacking about the scope, range and effectiveness of VSS provision for SV in England. Objectives: To undertake national surveys to map SV voluntary sector specialist service provision and describe arrangements for funding and commissioning. Design: Cross-sectional surveys. Setting: VSS services for SV and commissioners from multiple organisations across England (January to June 2021). Methods: Senior staff working in VSS services and commissioners from multiple organisations were surveyed electronically. Surveys explored SV service commissioning, funding and delivery, partnerships between organisations, perceived unmet need for services, and views about facilitators and challenges. Data were analysed descriptively to characterise VSS service provision for SV and commissioning across England. Results: Fifty-four responses were received from VSS providers and 34 from commissioners. Data demonstrated a complex and evolving funding and commissioning landscape in which providers typically secured funding from multiple sources, impacting consistency and scope of service provision. It was common for multiple organisations to co-commission services, demonstrating trends towards larger contracts that may disadvantage smaller specialist providers. Numerous examples of partnership working between organisations were identified, although developing partnerships was noted as challenging, particularly between voluntary sector specialist organisations. There was clear evidence of unmet need for services, with some groups of victim-survivors such as those from black and minority ethnic groups, often under-served by specialist services. However, there was also evidence of innovative service development and commissioning approaches to meet the needs of victim-survivors who face challenges accessing services. Conclusions: This study provides novel insights into SV service provision and commissioning in England, including unmet need among victim-survivors.