“"Domestic abuse and sexual violence can have devastating and long-lasting effects on people’s physical and mental health, and we know that taking the first step to ask for help is not always easy. For many people, their GP practice is somewhere they already have a relationship of trust. This funding gives us an important opportunity to build on that relationship, helping healthcare professionals recognise when someone may be experiencing abuse and ensuring they can offer the right support at the right time. We are proud that Norfolk and Suffolk has been selected as one of the first areas nationally to take part in this programme. By working closely with our partners and specialist organisations, we want to make it easier for victims and survivors to be heard, supported and connected with the help they need. Ultimately, this is about making sure that nobody experiencing abuse feels they have to face it alone."
NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Secures £2.8m for Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Support
National programme funding aims to enhance identification and specialist support for victims and survivors through local GP practices.
By Rebecca Flint
••3 min read
AI
Generic image of a GP surgery waiting room with soft lighting and a symbol of protection.
NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board (ICB) has secured significant national funding to enhance the identification and support of individuals experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence within local GP practices.
The ICB is one of only 12 NHS organisations selected for the first phase of the Government’s Steps to Safety programme, designed to improve access to specialist NHS support for victims and survivors. The proposed investment of £2.8 million, pending final confirmation, will strengthen services across Norfolk and Suffolk.
In collaboration with the Norfolk and Suffolk Offices of the Police and Crime Commissioner and specialist voluntary and community sector organisations, the programme will foster a more integrated approach to identifying abuse and violence. This will enable earlier support and better connections to essential services.
GP practices play a crucial role in recognising signs of abuse and offering a trusted, safe route to help. The new programme will bolster this by providing healthcare professionals with enhanced access to specialist advice, training, and referral pathways.
The funding is earmarked to support several key areas: the establishment of a dedicated specialist support worker workforce to assist GP practices, the implementation of an improved digital referral and triage system for quicker connections to support, practical training and guidance for GP teams to recognise and respond sensitively to abuse, and ongoing evaluation and improvement of the programme's impact.
The programme is currently in its planning and mobilisation stages, with the initial phase of services nationally anticipated to commence in February/March 2027. Local delivery arrangements and specific timescales will be confirmed as the programme progresses.
Based on information from the official source: NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board (23/10/2026)
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