What is an ISVA and how do I get one?

An Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) is a free, confidential support worker who stands alongside you through reporting, investigation, trial and afterwards. The important word is independent: an ISVA is not part of the police, the CPS or social services, does not take statements and does not work for the prosecution. Their loyalty is to you. The equivalent in domestic abuse cases is the IDVA — an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor — and some advisors hold both qualifications.

What an ISVA does

• Helps you decide about reporting — a police report, an anonymous report to Crimestoppers, or no report at all. They should not push you either way.
• Goes with you to a SARC — a Sexual Assault Referral Centre, for forensic examination, emergency medical treatment and support. You can use a SARC whether or not you report to the police.
• Is there for police interviews, in the room or just outside.
• Translates and chases — explaining police and CPS jargon, pursuing delays, making sure you know your rights under the Victims' Code.
• Prepares you for court — pre-trial visits to see the courtroom, then support through the trial and cross-examination.
• Stays afterwards — restraining orders, Victim Personal Statements, CICA applications and ongoing safety.

They do not provide therapy or counselling — they signpost to it, through Rape Crisis counselling or NHS trauma services. Nor do they replace a solicitor for civil matters, or make decisions for you.

How to get one

The service is free and there is no risk-level test. You can:

• Self-refer to your local Rape Crisis centre — most accept self-referrals; find services at rapecrisis.org.uk.
• Ask the police when you report — the Victims' Code requires them to offer a referral.
• Go through a SARC, your GP, a hospital or a midwife — all can refer you.
• Call a national helpline: Rape Crisis England and Wales on 0808 500 2222 (24/7); the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 (24/7); Galop, for LGBT+ victims, on 0800 999 5428; Mankind, for male victims of domestic abuse, on 01823 334244.

Be prepared for a wait: provision is uneven, and some areas have waiting lists of three to six months for non-urgent ISVA support. If yours is long, ask the regional commissioning body whether a neighbouring service has capacity, and lean on the national telephone services in the meantime. Specialist ISVAs exist for children (ChISVAs), male survivors, LGBT+ survivors and Black, Asian and minority ethnic survivors, though mainly in larger urban areas. And if you are not getting on with your advisor, you can ask the service manager to switch you — you will not be starting from scratch.