Minister Alex Davies-Jones Visits Next Chapter to Hear Directly from Survivors and Frontline Services

We welcomed Alex Davies-Jones MP, Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, to Essex on the 8^th of September to learn more about the specialist support services provided by Next Chapter and to hear directly from survivors, frontline staff and partner organisations.

The visit came following the Government's recent announcement of £9.3 million in funding for victims and survivors of crime, including those affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. While this investment is a welcome step forward, the day provided an important opportunity to discuss both the impact of specialist support services and the ongoing challenges facing the sector.

The Minister's visit began at The Nest, delivered by Next Chapter in partnership with Open Road Visions, which provides a secure and trauma-informed environment for women experiencing domestic abuse alongside challenges relating to substance use. During her visit, residents shared their experiences of navigating abuse, recovery and the criminal justice system. They spoke openly about the realities of rebuilding their lives and the importance of having systems they can trust and rely upon. Survivors highlighted that when victims are informed of actions being taken against perpetrators, those commitments must be honoured, as many make critical decisions about their safety and recovery based on those expectations.

The women also spoke about the value of having their voices heard in conversations about future policy and practice. Many shared that while they cannot change what happened to them, they are passionate about helping to improve experiences for other women in the future.

Staff at The Nest discussed some of the barriers survivors continue to face, including the stigma that can surround both domestic abuse and addiction. These conversations reinforced the importance of advocacy and challenging misconceptions that can prevent women from accessing the support and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives.

The Minister then visited our headquarters, Chapter House, where she met with senior leaders from Next Chapter and CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse). Discussions focused on the growing demand for specialist services, the pressures facing the domestic abuse and sexual violence sector and the importance of sustainable investment in trauma-informed support. Staff highlighted the impact that funding uncertainty can have on services and ultimately, on survivors who rely on them during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.

A key theme throughout the day was that investment in specialist services is not simply an investment in organisations. It is an investment in the safety and recovery of survivors.

The visit was also featured on ITV Anglia News and the Ministry of Justice social media channels, providing an important opportunity to raise awareness of both the specialist support available and the challenges facing the sector.

The Minister also spent time with a group of CARA survivors, who shared their experiences and reflected on the lasting impact that sexual violence has had on their lives. Their honesty served as a powerful reminder of why survivor voices must remain at the heart of decision-making.

Throughout the visit, one message remained clear, the most effective services, policies and systems are shaped by the people who have experienced them. Listening to survivors, learning from their experiences and ensuring their voices influence future change is essential if we are to create a society where survivors are supported to recover.

We are grateful to the Minister for taking the time to visit Next Chapter, meet the women we support and listen to the experiences of survivors and frontline professionals Her willingness to engage directly with those affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence demonstrates the importance of placing survivors at the forefront of conversations about justice and recovery.

Together, we must continue working towards a future where every survivor can access the support they need.