After funding from the Office of the Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner, Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust has welcomed its first Health Sexual Violence Liaison Officer, Faye Speed.

Faye has been brought into the Trust to support victims and survivors of sexual abuse, and will do this by:

- Empowering healthcare staff in dealing with victims of sexual abuse (recent and historic)
- Creating a clear referral pathway for staff and victims identified in the hospital setting
- Identify victims, particularly those in mental health crisis, and enable them to access the correct support to prevent repeat admissions
- Prevent repeat victimisation by offering victims a chance to access support
- Improve integration between community services and healthcare pathways.

Therese Patten, acting chief executive explained: “Sexual abuse is a hidden issue that can happen to anyone. This new role will offer practical help, advice and information for anyone who has experienced rape, sexual abuse, historic abuse or sexual harassment at any time in their life. Thank you to the Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner for funding this crucial role.”

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw added: "I am delighted to see this post established within the Trust. Hospitals are a place of safety for many people, so it is no surprise that survivors of sexual violence find the courage to disclose what has happened to them while they are there.

"Placing specialist services in health settings is a great step forward and gives us the opportunity to offer anyone affected the right support at the earliest opportunity. This type of support has already been established in other areas of Lancashire and it is fantastic to see it expand further.

“Supporting victims is a key priority for me and it is through projects like this that we can make a real difference to people and ensure that they can access the help they need and deserve to come to terms with what has happened.”

*If you would like support or advice, call Faye on 07818 533 845 or 01704 705248.