Norfolk victims of sexual violence get support regardless of charges, panel told
Norfolk's Police and Crime Commissioner has confirmed that support services for victims of rape and serious sexual violence are available whether or not a crime is reported to police. The panel heard that charge rates for sexual offences range from just 7.8% to 14.6%, but that the Independent Sexual Violence Adviser service has been protected despite rising costs.
Norfolk's Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) service will continue to be funded despite increasing costs, the Police and Crime Panel heard at its meeting on 27 April 2026.
The commitment came after a panel member raised concerns about charge rates for serious sexual offences, which figures on page 48 of the agenda showed range between 7.8% and 14.6% of recorded cases.
Police and Crime Commissioner Sarah Taylor told the panel that support for victims does not depend on whether a crime is reported to police, or whether a charge follows. She said continuation of the ISVA service had been prioritised because it was "fundamental to ensuring victims received appropriate support."
The low charge rates were acknowledged by the PCC, who explained that many cases involve historic allegations, and that victims do not always wish to proceed with a criminal justice process. Additional support is also available through other commissioned services.
Separately, the panel discussed rising levels of stalking and harassment recorded across Norfolk. A member asked whether prevention work in schools should be strengthened, including education aimed at boys and young men on respect and consent.
The Director of Policy, Commissioning and Communications said the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner had already convened a roundtable with education representatives and was working with Norfolk County Council Children's Services to map the scale of the problem in schools. Partners are currently waiting for further detail on the Government's national Violence Against Women and Girls strategy before expanding local programmes, though some initiatives — including work by the Youth Offending Team — are already under way.
The panel also welcomed progress on a Street Harassment Bystander training programme, with a target of 2,000 participants considered achievable. No behaviour-change data has yet been gathered, but the panel was told an update would be sought. Work is also progressing on Project Vigilant, focused on night-time economy safety.
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