The Pathfinder Sexual Violence Alliance was launched in 2021 to address the urgent need for improved, trauma-informed, therapeutic services for adult survivors of rape and sexual assault across the Avon and Somerset area.

Funded by the NHS and comprising five experienced delivery partners – SARSAS (lead), The Bridge SARC (lead), Womankind, the Southmead Project, and Kinergy – the Alliance was built on principles of accessibility, equity, collaboration, and lived experience leadership.

The video below shows the timeline of the impactful work that was undertaken:

The Pathfinder has:

• Expanded access to therapies for over 1,000 survivors and targeted provision for under-served groups – including refugees, d/Deaf women, and men in rural areas.
• More than 80 therapists across the South West received training in trauma-focused modalities, strengthening specialist capacity across the region.
• The program was shaped by a dedicated co-production group, comprising 19 survivors – meaning that lived experience was embedded into services, and ensuring that they reflect the needs of those they serve.
• Launched innovative approaches, with pilot projects in prisons, post-CJS therapy, and enhanced care pathways closing persistent service gaps.
• By working together as an Alliance, the Pathfinder achieved high impact clinical and systemic outcomes from relatively modest resources – ensuring sustainability.

Next Steps

With continuation funding secured, the Alliance has an opportunity to respond to emerging ideas and areas for improvement pioneered by the co-production group, including:

• Clear Communication: allowing the Alliance and its services to be easily identified and understood.
• Improved Pathways: simplifying access to services and strengthening referral processes.
• Improved Services: continuing to support enhanced trauma-focused provision, while exploring non-clinical peer and community-led services.
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: ensuring that services are accessible and appropriate for all survivors.
• Survivor Engagement: allowing survivors to be involved in, advocate for, and influence the services they need.

The Pathfinder Sexual Violence Alliance has demonstrated the power of trauma-informed, partnership-based, and survivor-led approaches to transforming sexual violence support. With the support of funders, the programme offers learning and examples of best practice for other regions.