VICTIMS of sexual violence in Cheshire are being asked to give their views on the services which have supported them.

As part of a consultation launched by Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner David Keane to help shape the services on offer, victims are invited to attend discussion groups or fill out an online survey.

Mr Keane is responsible for commissioning support services, allocating funds for a range of services for victims of sexual violence including RASASC – Cheshire’s dedicated rape and sexual assault support centre.

He said: “Crimes of sexual violence are extremely serious and abhorrent and can have life-changing impacts on victims.

“I am committed to doing everything possible to put victims first and ensuring the best level of support is available to help people cope and recover from their ordeal.

“The needs of sexual violence victims, and their experience of the criminal justice system, are not fully understood at this time. That’s why we’re putting victims at the heart of this consultation.

“I want to ensure they have their say on how service providers can work together to provide the best quality support and advice.”

The consultation will aim to identify if there are any gaps or cross-over in the current services provided for victims of sexual abuse.

The results will be used in determining how to simplify the referral route for victims to ensure they are getting the right support as quickly as possible.

Discussion groups will be held in Chester, Crewe and Warrington on Monday, February 25 and Wednesday, February 27. The anonymous online survey is available at smartsurvey.co.uk/s/survivors-cheshire

Monday, February 25, 10am to 11.30am – Room x, The Gateway, 85-101 Sankey Street, Warrington WA1 1SR

Monday, February 25, 1pm to 2.30pm – Mill House, Brook Street, Crewe CW2 7DE

Wednesday, February 27, 10am to 11.30am – 70-72 Hatton Road, Blacon, Chester CH1 5EE

Wednesday, February 27, 1pm to 2.30pm – Mill House, Brook Street, Crewe CW2 7DE