What is an ISVA?
Important Update: Please read the latest update regarding the impact of COVID 19 here. We are still providing telephone and online support, and guidance around this can be read here.
SV2 provides an ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advisor) or CHISVA (Children’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisor) service for anyone who has been the victim of rape, sexual assault or abuse. There is a vast range of support that an ISVA/CHISVA can offer, but their main role is to provide emotional and practical support for anyone who has experienced current or historic rape, sexual abuse or assault.
If you have reported to the police or would like some further information about the reporting process an ISVA can offer support and advice on the Criminal Justice System. We are independent from the police and other agencies.
You do not have to report to the police to receive support from an ISVA.
We work with all genders of all ages. We have CHISVAs for under 18s and ISVAs for those 18 and over.
You can either self-refer to the ISVA service, or you can be referred by another agency, for example, the police.
What happens after I’ve made a referral?
Our Single Point of Access Officer (SPOA) will contact you by phone to book an Initial Options Assessment (IOA) with you. This appointment is to assess your current needs and to ensure that you get the right service at the right time. This appointment will last up to half hour.
An ISVA will then get in touch with you in whatever way you prefer to be contacted. They will discuss with you in more detail as to what they do and what they can offer.
If you decide you would like the service, you will typically meet every four weeks. This can either be at our offices in Alfreton or Derby, or your ISVA will book a room if you cannot get to either of these venues. It will normally be a local children’s centre or GP surgery etc. For children using the service the CHISVA can meet them in school.
What if I haven’t reported to the police?
You can complete a referral form yourself without having to disclose anything to anyone else. You can meet with an ISVA to discuss options and decide what you want to do in your own time. The core role of an ISVA is to make sure you have the best possible practical advice, according to your own personal circumstances.
How can they help me?
While there is a range of support an ISVA can offer, they are typically there to:
- Provide a confidential, non-judgemental space.
- Provide emotional and practical support to meet the needs of the client.
- Offer flexible appointments’, whether in person, online or telephone.
- Provide accurate and impartial information.
- Ensure the safety of the victim and their dependents.
- Act as a single point of contact; for example, contacting the police for updates on the case.
- Provide support before, during and after court.
“I feel protected and supported. These appointments are so important to me, they are like gold in my diary”
All our ISVAs are qualified, or working towards qualification, of the ISVA Development Programme.
To find out more you can call our Advice Line 01773 746115
Alternatively you can self-refer by downloading the relevant referral form here.
Our ISVA service is quality assured and accredited.
