Strengthening Essex’s response to sexual violence and abuse
Partners from across Essex came together on Monday 23 March 2026 for a Sexual Violence and Abuse Roundtable event hosted by Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst.
The event brought together key stakeholders from across policing, local authorities, health, the voluntary and community sector, and specialist support services to strengthen Essex’s collective response to sexual violence and abuse.
The roundtable was designed to support the development of the Essex Sexual Violence and Abuse Strategy 2026–2030.
Attendees heard from a range of presenters on the scale and impact of sexual violence and abuse, the partnership work already underway across Essex, and the shared vision for the future — one that reflects what victims and survivors need, expect and deserve.
Throughout the day, speakers highlighted the importance of partnership working to improve prevention, support victims and survivors, and strengthen the criminal justice response. Discussions focused on ensuring services remain accessible, trauma‑informed and centred around lived experience.
The PFCC is the main funder of sexual violence support services in Essex, commissioning Synergy Essex to provide a range of specialist support, including:
· Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs)
· Specialist counselling and therapeutic support
· Support for men, women and children affected by sexual violence and abuse
· Advocacy and support through the criminal justice process
In addition, the PFCC commissions programmes that:
· Help survivors to cope and recover
- Improve reporting pathways and access to support
- Raise awareness across communities
- Strengthen the use of victim feedback and lived experience to shape services
The insights and discussions from the roundtable will directly inform the new Essex Sexual Violence and Abuse Strategy 2026–2030, which is due to be published later this summer.
The PFCC thanked all presenters and attendees for their contributions and for the vital work they continue to deliver every day to support victims and survivors across Essex.
For anyone who has been a victim of sexual violence or abuse, Synergy Essex is a partnership of rape and sexual abuse centres in Greater Essex who deliver specialist community-based services for victims and survivors of all forms of sexual violence and abuse, sexual domestic violence, sexual harassment and child sexual abuse. Phone 0300 003 7777
The event also launched the Victim Gateway Service – a directory of services in Essex Essex Victims' Gateway