A new partnership focused on supporting West Mercia victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse, commissioned by Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion, will launch in April 2026.
Building on the progress made over the past decade, local charity Axis Counselling will bring together the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) and Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) services under one specialist provider.
This joined‑up approach will give victims a seamless and consistent support pathway, helping them understand their options, navigate the criminal justice process and access the emotional and practical help they need - without having to move between multiple services.
Axis Counselling is an independent specialist charity organisation with more than 30 years of experience providing compassionate, confidential and trauma‑informed support to survivors.
As part of a thorough recommissioning process, the PCC listened directly to victims and service users, and worked closely with local authorities, the Crown Prosecution Service, West Mercia Police and specialist providers to shape the final decision.
Funding for the contract comes from both PCC and Ministry of Justice allocations. The PCC has made more than £1.5 million available, with a further £1.1 million provided by the MoJ.
The recommissioning process also delivered an underspend of £109,463. The PCC is committed to ensuring that every penny continues to support victims, so is planning to use this funding to run a grant round aimed at education establishments for peer-led projects which focus on developing healthy relationships and provision to support victims.
PCC John Campion said: “I am proud of our journey so far, and I am committed to building on this progress that’s why this progress is the right step for victims of some of the most serious crimes that impact our communities.
“Within my Safer Communities Plan, I am committed to ensuring the highest quality services are in place to deliver the best possible outcomes by ensuring they not only receive the justice deserve but the specialist support they need to cope and recover.”
Axis CEO, Becky Jones said: “For over 30 years, Axis has supported people affected by sexual violence, and we are now proud to expand our work with a West Mercia-wide combined ISVA and IDVA service. This service will support survivors who have experienced sexual violence or domestic abuse, and for those affected by both, it will provide consistent, trauma-informed advocacy, allowing them to access help without having to repeat their story or navigate multiple services. Above all, we want survivors to know they are not alone.”