News
Tavistock trauma specialists welcome new strategy to tackle violence against women and girls
Experts from the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust have welcomed the government’s new violence against women and girls (VAWG) strategy. The strategy takes a whole-society approach, that aims to tackle the root causes of violence and abuse while strengthening support for victims and survivors.
The Tavistock and Portman provides specialist, evidence-based mental health services for children, adolescents and adults affected by abuse – including therapeutic support for survivors and those struggling with harmful or disturbing sexual behaviours.
Dr Jo Stubley, Clinical lead of the Trauma Service at Tavistock and Portman, said:
“This announcement is important because it recognises the scale of violence and abuse faced by women and girls, as well as the prevalence of child sexual abuse affecting both boys and girls. The IICSA findings suggest that 1 in 6 girls and 1 in 20 boys will experience child sexual abuse – a stark reminder of the urgent need for action. We welcome this strategy as it reflects the principles we have long advocated and the work we do every day in supporting survivors and educating professionals.”
Models and systems that make a difference
Rolling out the Lighthouse approach – a multi-agency, child-centred framework designed to support children and young people who have experienced sexual abuse – nationally will be a significant step in providing early help and support at such a critical time.
Similarly, the referral system for adults is a vital way of helping people access services. However, these changes are likely to increase referral demand for specialist trauma services – particularly those such as the Tavistock Trauma Service, which focuses on childhood and attachment- related traumas, including non-recent child sexual abuse.
Dr Jo Stubley said:
“We have already seen an unprecedented rise in referrals in recent years without a corresponding increase in resources. Without additional funding for specialist services, this new referral system could unintentionally create further barriers to treatment as waiting lists grow. We hope this strategy marks the first step in addressing these challenges.”
The impact of abuse and our role
Abuse – in any form – can have a profound and lasting impact on mental health. Sexual abuse, in particular, often brings additional emotional and psychological harm. Children who witness abuse, whether in family settings or their wider communities, frequently feel powerless. In later life, they may struggle with trust, safety and relationships.
Dr Stubley adds:
“We know how deeply abuse can affect early emotional, cognitive and physical development. That’s why early, specialist intervention is so vital.”
Alongside clinical services, the Tavistock and Portman provides training and guidance for professionals working with survivors of abuse. These resources help practitioners respond sensitively to disclosures and understand the impact of trauma, supporting a more informed and compassionate response across health, social care, education and related sectors.
Through this work – and our specialist services – we support the aims of the new VAWG strategy by helping practitioners recognise early warning signs of abuse and respond effectively.
Together, these efforts underline our commitment to improving outcomes for those harmed by abuse – and align with national initiatives that aim to hold perpetrators to account, prevent harm, and support survivors along their journey to recovery.