Independent Sexual Violence and Domestic Violence Advisors (ISVAs and IDVAs)

An Independent Sexual Violence Advisor supports victims through:

• Reporting decisions — explaining the options (report to police, anonymous report to Crimestoppers, no report). The ISVA does not pressure either way.
• SARC appointments — accompanying you to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre for forensic examination, emergency medical treatment, and emotional support.
• Police interviews — being present (or just outside) as you give your statement.
• Updates on the investigation — translating CPS and police jargon, chasing delays, making sure you know your rights under the Victims' Code.
• Pre-trial visits — taking you to see the courtroom in advance to reduce anxiety.
• Trial support — accompanying you to court, supporting through cross-examination (which can now be pre-recorded — see batch 15 next guide).
• Post-trial support — restraining orders, victim personal statements, CICA applications, ongoing safety.
• Signposting to specialist therapy (Rape Crisis counselling, NHS trauma therapy, private services).

ISVAs are typically employed by Rape Crisis centres, Sexual Assault Referral Centres, or specialist independent charities. The Survivors Trust runs the national network of male survivor ISVAs.

An Independent Domestic Violence Advisor supports high-risk victims of domestic abuse through:

• Risk assessment — using the DASH (Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Harassment) risk indicator to identify the level of risk.
• Safety planning — creating a personal safety plan including code words, escape bag, safe contacts, and emergency funds.
• MARAC referral — for the highest-risk cases, attending the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) where police, social services, housing, health and others coordinate around the victim.
• Court support — both criminal (witness support) and civil (non-molestation orders, occupation orders, child arrangements).
• Housing — Domestic Abuse Act 2021 priority need, accessing refuge places, securing tenancy.
• Immigration — the Migrant Victim of Domestic Abuse Concession (MVDAC) for those with insecure status.
• Financial support — Universal Credit, child maintenance, Discretionary Housing Payment.
• Children's services liaison — where the victim is also a parent, navigating the parallel children's safeguarding process.

IDVAs are typically employed by specialist domestic abuse charities — Women's Aid affiliates, Refuge, local DV services. Male victims can access services through Mankind, Galop (LGBT+), and male-victim specialist IDVAs in some areas.

Referral routes:

• Self-referral — contact your local Rape Crisis centre (find at rapecrisis.org.uk), Refuge (0808 2000 247, 24/7), or local domestic abuse service. Most accept self-referrals.
• Police — when you report, ask to be referred to an ISVA or IDVA. The Victims' Code requires the police to offer this.
• SARC — every Sexual Assault Referral Centre has ISVAs attached or close referral relationships. Even if you have not reported to police, you can use a SARC.
• GP, hospital, midwife — they can refer you.
• National helplines:
  • National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge): 0808 2000 247, 24/7.
  • Rape Crisis England and Wales: 0808 500 2222, 24/7.
  • Galop (LGBT+ DA): 0800 999 5428.
  • Mankind (male DV): 01823 334244.

The service is free. There is no eligibility test for risk-level; everyone reporting or affected can access services. Some areas have separate ISVA services for children/young people, male survivors, LGBT+ survivors, and Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) survivors.

Important boundaries:

• They do NOT provide therapy or counselling. They are practical support workers and advocates. They signpost to therapy through Rape Crisis counselling services, NHS trauma services, or other providers.
• They do NOT make decisions for you. They explain options and support your choices.
• They do NOT take statements or work for the prosecution. Their relationship is confidential — except for safeguarding disclosures (children at risk, adults at risk under section 42 Care Act 2014).
• They do NOT replace your solicitor or barrister. Specialist legal advice (for civil cases — divorce, child arrangements, immigration) needs separate solicitor support.
• They do NOT investigate offences. The police and CPS have that role.

The boundary between practical support and emotional support is sometimes blurred — most ISVAs/IDVAs do "low-level" emotional containment work in practice, and signpost to formal therapy where it is needed.

ISVA/IDVA services are funded by the Ministry of Justice, Police and Crime Commissioners, NHS, and local councils. Provision is uneven:

• London, major cities, and rural counties with strong PCC investment have well-developed services.
• Some areas have waiting lists of 3-6 months for non-urgent ISVA support.
• Specialist services (male, LGBT+, BAME, disabled, children) are concentrated in larger urban areas.
• If your local service has a long wait, ask the regional commissioning body whether there is capacity at a neighbouring service.

National services (Rape Crisis 0808 500 2222 telephone service, Galop, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline) operate alongside local ISVA/IDVA services and can provide immediate emotional support and signposting while you wait for an in-person ISVA/IDVA.