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Offences against Children: Victims

Asked by Rupert LoweRestore BritainDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 23 January 2025UIN 24552

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has allocated funding for victims of grooming gangs.

Answered by Andrew Gwynne

NHS England and the police and crime commissioners jointly commission 48 sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) for victims of sexual assault and abuse. SARCs provide crisis care, medical and forensic examinations, emergency contraception, and testing for sexually transmitted infections. They can also arrange access to an independent sexual assault advisor, as well as referrals to mental health support services.

NHS England has established local pathfinder projects for enhanced trauma-informed mental health support for sexual abuse victims and survivors with the most complex needs. There is now dedicated enhanced mental health support in five of the seven commissioning regions. The final two regions are considering delivery model options.

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