Victims’ Forum Gives Survivors a Voice in Improving Support

Safeline hosted the first Warwickshire Victim’s Voice Forum, bringing together survivors of sexual abuse to share their experiences and shape how the system responds to victims. The forum provided a safe, supportive environment for participants, whether or not they had reported their abuse to the police.

Feedback from the day was overwhelmingly positive. Survivors met with Safeline’s Independent Sexual Violence Advocates and officers from Warwickshire Police at Wright Hassell LLP. There, they shared their experiences of the Criminal Justice Process and the impacts of sexual abuse. One survivor attending shared:

“I found the forum very valuable. I felt completely safe and supported. My voice was listened to, and I hope police and others took away the importance of keeping communication open with victims, even when there’s no new news, so we don’t feel forgotten.”

Police attendees reported that 100% found the forum valuable, felt supported and respected, and would attend again. Officers highlighted the impact of hearing survivors’ stories first-hand: “I feel like hearing the victims talk is a better way for you to understand the full impact,” and “More impactful than traditional learning, it showed the human side of every step in an investigation.”

The forum also inspired ideas for practical changes in professional practice, including:

• Improving communication with survivors throughout investigations.

• Ensuring processes are explained clearly without being overly “policy-driven.”

• Increasing face-to-face contact and regular check-ins to maintain rapport.

• Recognising and responding to the unique needs of each survivor.

By combining survivor insights with collaboration from police, the CPS, and victim support services, the forum aims to create a more empathetic and effective response to sexual abuse.

“I believe this will be transformative in advocating and affirming support and feelings of victims going forward.”

This is what happens when you put the victim voice exactly where it should be, at the centre. Our Victims’ Voice Forum created a space for professionals across the criminal justice system to reflect, ask questions, and understand how to make their services actually work for the people they’re meant to serve. We hope the impact will only grow from here. We’ll keep bringing more voices to the table because this conversation is just getting started.

Thank you to the victim-survivors who showed up with courage and belief in the possibility of change. You made this possible.

Thank you to our colleagues at Warwickshire Police for their support and to every professional who came ready to listen, reflect, and be part of this transformation.

Thank you to Wright Hassall LLP for giving us a space to hold this forum.

Safeline will continue hosting forums to ensure survivors’ voices remain central to shaping services and support.

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