Warwick-based charity launches app for victims of sexual violence

The charity would like to see all specialist agencies and UK police forces adopt similar processes via an app to improve victim support
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A charity based in Warwick has launched an app to help victims of sexual abuse.

Safeline, has launched the mobile app to improve access to independent, specialist support for victims of sexual violence crimes.

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Safeline and Warwickshire Police jointly developed the app, recognizing that it would enable the police to refer victims to independent, specialist support within seconds of the victim consenting to do so.

Neil Henderson, CEO of Safeline. Photo suppliedNeil Henderson, CEO of Safeline. Photo supplied
Neil Henderson, CEO of Safeline. Photo supplied

The app was also developed in partnership with Red C, a mobile app development agency who has created the app for free.

Safeline's app, is intended for victims of sexual violence crimes in Warwickshire, however, the charity would like to see all specialist agencies and UK police forces adopt similar processes via an app to improve victim support.

Neil Henderson, CEO of Safeline, said: "Sexual violence crimes are growing at an alarming rate.

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"Becoming a victim is a deeply traumatic experience, often leaving scars, physical and mental, that linger for many years after the event.

"We must make it easier for people who have suffered such a crime to cope, recover and move on with rebuilding their lives.

"Using technology to improve a victim’s access to independent, specialist support, would be a significant step forward for the criminal justice system and for victims themselves and one that could make a very real difference to countless lives for many years to come.

"Any specialist support agencies, or organisations who wish to implement something similar, should approach Red C, who are able to rebrand it and adapt it for use anywhere in the UK, to transform access to support, and improve the victim experience."

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The team at Safeline have said that they are also working on making the app available in different languages.

Here's some information from Safeline about the app and why it is needed:

What is the Safeline app?

The Safeline app is free to download and enables victims of sexual violence crimes in Warwickshire to access an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA), who can offer independent, specialist practical and emotional support, quickly, easily, discreetly, and safely.

Who is the app’s target audience?

The Safeline App is for victims of sexual violence crimes who want to access specialist support and advice directly and who want support on deciding whether they want to report the abuse to the Police or support when they are going through the criminal justice process.

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It is also for all agencies, such as police, witness services, GPs and social workers who are involved in helping victims of sexual violence access specialist support.

Why is it needed?

Not all victims of sexual violence crimes want to or find it necessary to report crimes to the Criminal Justice system, or other agencies.

Many victims feel that specialist service providers like Safeline are the only services they need and feel comfortable working with.

However, it is very common for victims to delay disclosing their trauma, if indeed they ever do, (on average Safeline clients wait between 20-30 years before they seek specialist support).

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Many reasons are cited for this, victims do not want family/friends to know, many do not know how to access support, or it’s because it’s a very personal matter.

This app has been created to help overcome many of these barriers and to make it quicker and easier for victims to access the right support and advice.

This will help victims with the devastating impact of sexual violence and help them decide if they want to report to the police.

Sometimes it can take weeks for the police to complete their paperwork and make a referral, during which time the victim is unsupported.

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Safeline says that their app will be able to provide the needed support as well as being able to address any issues and concerns about reporting the crime to the Police.

It will take an average of 15 seconds for an agency or an individual to submit a referral using Safeline’s app.

Clients will be contacted within 24 hours or sooner to discuss their support arrangements.

It is hoped that by giving victims quicker access to independent, specialist support, more victims who are referred to specialist agencies like Safeline by the Police, will report more, will remain supported within in the criminal justice system and more perpetrators will be held to account.

How do you install the Safeline app?

The Safeline app is free to download on both iOS and Android devices on the App Store and Google Play Store.

For more information about Safeline go to: https://www.safeline.org.uk/