Sexual violence is a horrific crime which affects women and children, as well as men from all walks of life. Its impact on the victim can be substantial, affecting mental, physical, and sexual health. There are also implications for the police, criminal justice system, and the health service. This report is intended as guidance to helping local partnerships in England and Wales understand how sexual violence affects their communities and provides solutions and strategies to combat the problem. The first half of the report describes the national profile of sexual violence and the impact it has on victims, the community, and the health service, and sets out some of the particular issues associated with sexual violence. The second half of the report describes steps which can be taken to prevent sexual violence, provide care for victims, and improve the investigation and prosecution of sexual offense cases, and the management and treatment of offenders. The interventions described are illustrated through case studies and set the role a local partnership can play.