Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy
Our ISVA service offers practical help, advice & information for victims of rape and sexual abuse and their families.
Who is the ISVA service for?
The ISVA service helps anyone who has been the victim of unwanted sexual contact. If you have been raped or sexually abused at any time in your life, our ISVA service can offer you practical support to deal with your circumstances. Our aim is to help give you the confidence, support and information you need to take control of your situation and move forward. ISVA’s receive specialist training to support people who have disclosed sexual violence in order to provide a tailored support package, they have Police Vetting clearance and have enhanced DBS checks.
Our service is available to men, women, children and families, regardless of whether you have told the police or anyone else about the attack.
What does the ISVA do?
Your individual worker (ISVA) will listen to you and find out what your needs are. He or she will then help you to access support from other agencies, such as:
- Health services
- Housing/Homelessness
- Benefits
- Counselling
The ISVA Service Agreement can be found here
The ISVA will also give you information to help you decide whether you want to report the incident(s) to the Police. You do not have to report the attack. If you decide not to report the matter, we will still provide you with support.
If you do decide to report the matter your worker will help you through the whole process, including working with the Police and the rest of the criminal justice system. Examples of the type of support your ISVA will provide include:
- Liaising with the police, courts, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and other public agencies
- Keeping you informed of developments in your case
- Advocating on your behalf
- Supporting you before and during any court case
Making a Referral
If you would like to refer yourself or someone into the ISVA service, please complete the secure form (link below) and the details will be passed securely to an ISVA who will make contact within 48 hours:
Make a Referral