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 Identifying vulnerability at the first point of contact – staff in the Control Room will
undertake a needs assessment based on threat, harm, risk, vulnerability and engagement
(THRIVE)
 Achieving best evidence through different means - a victim does not necessarily have to
write a statement; this could be via video which can be done at the Sexual Assault
Referral Centre for example
 Intermediary service which supports victims through the court process. The national
contract is managed by the Ministry of Justice and has recently conducted a recruitment
campaign to appoint more intermediaries locally – RK will send further information on how
people can apply to be an intermediary
 Victim Care and Advice Service provides emotional and practical support for victims and
are proactive in contacting them to ask if they would like any help rather than relying on
officers making referrals. Previously a lot of the support offered was over the telephone,
but more face to face appointments are now available
 Counselling services offered for victims of abuse
 Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs) are offered to victims of Domestic
Abuse. Funding has been secured for a further 12 months to commission a whole system
approach and an evaluation will be completed in July - each Local Authority will be
considered separately
 The Sexual Assault Referral Centre is co-commissioned between the OPCC and NHS
England and offers a Sexual Violence Advisory Service including emotional/practical
support and counselling services.
 The Witness Support Service is commissioned nationally by the Ministry of Justice to the
Citizens Advice Bureau and offers support to victims for the duration of the trial. The
Witness Support Service also offers assistance through pre-court visits and if there are
any special measures required. My Sisters Place and SARC have video link facilities
which allows victims to give evidence outside court.

Ann Baxter (AB) commented that anecdotally, members have expressed concerns that some cases
involving a person with care and support needs may not proceed to court as it may be perceived that the
quality of evidence is more questionable. AB asked if there was any data that could be shared with the
Board on the number of vulnerable victim cases going to court. RK explained that there is a Cleveland
Victim and Witness Group. The group has an associated performance framework. Through the group
work has been done to map the victim’s journey identifying critical contact points and identifying how the
victim’s journey can be more streamlined and made easier for them. RK to send data to the Business Unit
to establish what can be included within the Board’s quarterly performance reports.

Support for Perpetrators
· Voluntary attendance forms have recently been reviewed (nationally) and the new forms
came into force on 1 April 2019
· Voluntary attenders are offered access to the liaison and diversion scheme – any
safeguarding issues are identified at this point
· The Appropriate Adult service has recently been reviewed and operates 24 hours a day, 7
days a week
· Signposting to appropriate services
· Support available through Cleveland Rehabilitation Company and Probation
· Work is undertaken through a Reoffending Group and Scrutiny Panels sit alongside this

Members asked if links are being made with the voluntary and community sector. It was acknowledged
that there are differences in commissioning across the 4 Tees Local Authorities and that the contract for
counselling services for victims of sexual violence in Redcar & Cleveland has ended and funding from the
Home Office has been withdrawn. Victoria Wilson (VW) will check if any correspondence has been made
regarding Home Office funding and the Board will also write a letter of support.

Minutes approved 20.06.2019 4