18 specialist services across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Milton Keynes will share total funding of over £3.1 million over the next two years to support victim-survivors of domestic abuse, rape and sexual violence and stalking.

Funding granted by Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, will support the continued provision of Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) and Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs), a Stalking Advocacy Service including Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworkers (ISACs), legal advice for domestic abuse victims, support for male victims of rape and sexual abuse and other specialist provision to help victim-survivors build resilience.  

Matthew Barber said: “Domestic abuse, rape and sexual violence and stalking are some of the highest harm crimes an individual can experience. We have some exceptional organisations supporting victim-survivors of these crimes in the Thames Valley, but the Government’s 4.2% cut to the core victims funding provided to PCCs in 2025/26, in addition to a real-terms cut to the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund, created significant financial uncertainty.

“We were able to protect services from the funding reduction in 2025/26 and have committed that the 2% increase received from the Ministry of Justice for this financial year (2026/27) will be passed on, in full, to services. Some organisations will also receive an enhanced uplift in recognition of cost-of-living pressures and to ensure consistent salaries for specialist positions across the Thames Valley.

“We have also already confirmed funding amounts for 2027/28, totalling over £1.59 million. This will give the sector and post-holders more stability and ensure that victims will continue to have access to the vital support these 18 organisations provide, helping them cope with, recover from, and move forward after the traumatic impact of crime.”

Between April 2025 and September 2025, the 18 services funded by the PCC supported over 2600 victim-survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking across the Thames Valley.

Brianne Atkins, Service Manager at Aurora New Dawn, said: “Aurora is delighted to have been awarded a further two years of funding from the Thames Valley Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) to continue our Stalking Service across the Thames Valley. We extend our thanks to the OPCC and look forward to continuing this vital advocacy work across the Thames Valley area.

“You can find out more about our work here: https://aurorand.org.uk/stalking/.”

Laura Hunter, CEO of Flag DV, said: “Funding from the OPCC enables FLAG DV to continue providing free family-law legal advice to victims and survivors of domestic abuse on matters such as children, divorce, and protection.

“In addition, the Victims’ Grant Fund has enabled us to grow our offer by developing and delivering online court-support workshops, helping survivors better understand and navigate the family court process.”

Dawn Hodson, Chief Executive of Reducing the Risk of Domestic Abuse, said: “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for their continued funding of our specialist domestic abuse court service. This vital work ensures that victim-survivors across Thames Valley have expert, dedicated support when navigating the Criminal Justice System.

“Attending court can be an extremely stressful and daunting experience. For many, it comes at a point of heightened risk, fear and uncertainty. Our specialist court-based IDVAs provide tailored, trauma-informed support – helping individuals understand the process, feel prepared, and stay as safe as possible throughout.

“This is not just about getting through a court hearing – it is about safety, confidence and ensuring that victim-survivors are supported, respected and empowered at every stage.”

Zoe Bell, Co-CEO of Sexual Assault and Abuse Support Service Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes (SAASSBMK), said: “This vital funding enables SAASSBMK to offer essential services that build connections and reduce social isolation for survivors, reassuring them they are not alone. Support groups are a key part of our therapeutic care, helping survivors regain balance and develop coping strategies. One survivor described the peer group as a “sanity and life saver” during a difficult time.

“Funding also allows us to provide dedicated ISVAs who ensure victims’ rights are respected and their voices heard, securing the support and justice survivors deserve. Without this funding, our crucial work simply could not continue.”

The 18 organisations receiving funding from the PCC are:

• Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse – £20,601.96
• Aurora New Dawn – £172,580
• Aylesbury Women’s Aid – £43,175
• Browns Community Services – £35,700
• Flag DV – £30,292
• Hope After Harm – £129,525
• Hourglass – £47,393.28
• MK-ACT – £38,175
• PACT – Parents and Children Together – £120,059
• Reducing the Risk of Domestic Abuse – £137,700
• Refugee Resource – £21,588
• Sexual Assault and Abuse Support Service Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes (SAASSBMK) – £98,252
• SAFE! – £303,500.36
• Sunrise Multicultural Project – £25,905
• Survivors Space – £86,356
• The Dash Charity – £129,525
• Trust House – £43,175
• Wycombe Women’s Aid – £43,175

Total funding = £1,526,677.60

Amounts listed are for 2026/27