Corporate report
Specialist Sexual Violence Support Measures: a qualitative assessment
This report is an assessment of a set of specialist sexual violence support (SSVS) measures that were introduced in Leeds, Newcastle and Snaresbrook Crown Courts.
Documents
Details
Specialist sexual violence support (SSVS) measures were originally introduced at Leeds, Newcastle and Snaresbrook in 2022 as test sites. This report covers research undertaken in 2024/5. While the report aimed to get views from victim-survivors, this did not happen due to recruitment difficulties so is based on views from sexual violence advisors, CPS staff, Witness Care officers, Witness Services and judges.
The report finds:
- Technology upgrades were viewed positively but their benefits were limited by technology issues.
- Facilities upgrades to witness suites were viewed positively as they created a welcoming environment for victim-survivors. However, they were thought to have limited value as victims will still face the stress of giving evidence.
- Trauma-informed training was positively received with practitioners feeling they had been able to use the learnings while interacting with victim-survivors. Trauma-informed training has been made available nationally to all HMCTS court staff.
Updates to this page
Published 3 September 2026