Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment her Department has made of trends in the level of demand for independent sexual violence advisers in (a) Buckinghamshire and (b) Milton Keynes.

The Ministry of Justice recognises the important role that Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) play in supporting victims of sexual violence.

The Department provides annual grant funding to Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) in England and Wales for the provision of emotional, practical and therapeutic support to victims which includes advocacy support from ISVAs. The provision of ISVA services across all PCC areas (including Thames Valley, which covers both Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes) is monitored through bi-annual reports. We have protected dedicated VAWG victims spending in the Department by maintaining previous funding levels for ringfenced sexual violence and domestic abuse support in 2025/26.

Once commenced, the Duty to Collaborate will build greater local insight into demand for sexual abuse services, including ISVAs. The Duty will require local policing bodies, local authorities and integrated care boards to conduct joint needs assessments in their areas, assessing victim demand for services and subsequently publishing local strategies to address these.

We continue to work closely with local commissioners to ensure that victims in all areas, including Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes, have access to support.