Many unhappy returns!
Safeline was 31 years old on 8 March 2025, but we chose not to mark it because there isn’t much to celebrate.
The level of statutory support being provided to victims of sexual abuse and rape has been slashed, due to cost of living and NI increases. These are some of the most vulnerable/at risk people in our communities, (85% of Safeline clients present with suicidal ideation), yet their needs are being ignored because of ‘budget deficits’ and ‘Fiscal Blackholes’. When did we stop prioritising support for people, whose lives are at risk? What does that say about the society we currently live in?
Sexual abuse is a growing problem. The UK National Audit Office has identified that incidents of rape and sexual assault over the last 14-years recorded by police increased from 34,000 to 123,000. This statistic grossly under-estimates the real size of the problem.
85% of victims never report the abuse to Police. The number of victims supported by Safeline over the same period increased by 2,000%.
The level of abuse is growing, but funding is being reduced. Over the last 12-months, 23 specialist sexual abuse support agencies have closed due to a lack of funding, many more are at risk: fewer victims will be supported in 2025. ‘Penny wise, pound foolish’ comes to mind. The impact of these cuts will be felt for many years to come. Safeline will spend 35% less supporting victims this year.
73,000 victims are currently caught up in Crown Court backlogs, the highest level ever. Some Safeline clients are having court dates set for 2028, years after reporting the crime. Many are giving up on getting justice, perpetrators are not being held to account, our streets are less safe.
We are proud of what our people are doing to maintain high-quality support for as many victims as possible, during these challenging times. We are seeking out new growth opportunities, using technology to implement innovative, more efficient ways of working, ensuring we are ‘lean’ and effective, focusing on activities that deliver greatest impact, demanding value for money from suppliers. Given the people we support, leading an organisation like Safeline in these turbulent times is tough, and I am having to make some horrible decisions, so I don’t have cause to celebrate.
However, come 8 March next year, if we have sustained client numbers, maintained high-quality support and delivered effective outcomes, I may treat the team to a few gin and tonics paid out of my own pocket of course!
Neil Henderson, CEO Safeline
