At First Light, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. Recently, our Swindon & Wiltshire Sexual Violence Services partnered with Wiltshire Police on Project Vigilant, a proactive initiative designed to tackle sexual violence and keep people safe during the night-time economy.
Project Vigilant brings together police officers and specialist support organisations, including The Nelson Trust, which supports sex workers, and First Light, which works with those impacted by sexual violence. This partnership ensures that vulnerable individuals have access to immediate, trauma-informed support when they need it most.
Why This Matters
Sexual violence remains a serious issue in Swindon and across Wiltshire. By working alongside the police, our Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) can provide reassurance and support to those who may feel unable or unwilling to speak directly to law enforcement.
One of our dedicated ISVAs, Kate, joined the police team during the evening as part of Project Vigilant. Kate explained why this collaboration is so important:
“Swindon has a high rate of sexual violence… Sometimes victims don’t want to talk to police, they might be worried or scared, so working together like this really helps women in Swindon and Wiltshire.”
A Shared Commitment to Safety
This joint approach means that survivors are not alone. Whether it’s offering immediate emotional support, guiding someone through their options, or simply being a trusted presence, our ISVAs play a vital role in making communities safer.
We are proud to stand alongside Wiltshire Police and other partners in creating safer spaces and ensuring that every individual has access to the help they need.
Learn more about Project Vigilant and its impact: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd74rdw90xjo