ISVAs and IDVAs Explained

Support After Sexual or Domestic Violence

What is an ISVA or IDVA, and How Can They Support You?

When someone experiences sexual violence or domestic abuse, navigating the criminal justice system, health services, and the emotional impact can feel overwhelming. That’s where specialist advocates come in. Two key roles you might hear about are Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) and Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs). These professionals are trained to support victims and survivors, helping you to understand your options, make informed choices, and feel less alone.

What is an ISVA?

An Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) provides practical and emotional support to people who have experienced rape, sexual assault, or other forms of sexual violence, whether the incident happened recently or in the past.

ISVAs are independent - they don’t work for the police, CPS, or courts, though they often liaise with them. Their independence means their only priority is you and your needs.

An ISVA can:

Explain your options: whether you want to report to the police, seek medical help, or simply talk through what’s happened.

Support with the justice process: If you choose to report, your ISVA can help you understand what will happen at each stage, from giving a statement to attending court and receiving updates about your case.

Coordinate with agencies: ISVAs act as a liaison between you and services such as the police, CPS, health providers, housing, or counseling.

Provide emotional support: while they’re not counsellors, they can help you process what’s happening, validate your feelings, and signpost you to therapeutic support.

Ensure your rights are upheld: ISVAs can advocate for you in situations where your needs might otherwise be overlooked - for example, requesting special measures in court (like giving evidence from behind a screen).

Importantly, you don’t have to report to the police to access an ISVA. Many survivors choose to work with an ISVA just to understand their options or to feel supported in managing the impact of what happened.

What is an idva?

An Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) specialises in supporting people at risk of or experiencing domestic abuse - whether that abuse is physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or controlling behaviour.

Like ISVAs, IDVAs are independent and focused on your safety and well-being. They often support people assessed as being at high risk of harm.

An IDVA can:

Help create a safety plan: thinking through how to stay safe at home, at work, or if you decide to leave.

Support with housing and practical needs: for example, helping you access refuge spaces, safe housing, or financial support.

Coordinate with police and social services: IDVAs can represent your voice in Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARACs), where various professionals come together to plan the best way to protect you.

Advocate in court: whether for criminal proceedings against the abuser, or civil matters such as child contact or protective orders.

Offer emotional support: Like ISVAs, IDVAs are not therapists, but they can listen, validate your experiences, and ensure you’re connected to the right support networks.

How to Access an ISVA or IDVA

Accessing an ISVA or IDVA usually starts with a referral. This can come from:

Self-referral: you can contact local services directly, often via sexual violence charities or domestic abuse organisations.

Police referral: if you report an offence, the police may ask if you’d like to be referred to an ISVA or IDVA.

Other agencies: health professionals, social workers, schools, or housing officers can sometimes make referrals if they believe you’d benefit from support.

Every local area has its own arrangements, so the best first step is to search for sexual violence or domestic abuse services in your county or city. National helplines can also point you to your nearest provider. For example:

What Kind of Support Will You Receive?

Your support will be shaped by your needs and choices. Some people work with an ISVA or IDVA for a short time - for example, just to get through reporting to the police. Others may stay in contact for months or years as their case progresses or as they rebuild their lives.

Typical support might include:

• Attending medical or police appointments with you.

• Helping you understand your rights under schemes like the Victims’ Code.

• Making sure your voice is heard in meetings with professionals.

• Giving updates on your case if you’ve chosen to go through the justice process.

• Referring you into counselling or therapeutic services when you’re ready.
  

Why Their Role Matters

Experiencing sexual or domestic violence can feel isolating, confusing, and frightening. ISVAs and IDVAs exist to make sure you don’t have to go through it alone. They help level the playing field in systems that can often feel stacked against survivors. By standing beside you, explaining your options, and advocating for your safety and rights, they give you back a sense of control. Whether or not you choose to pursue justice through the courts, their role is to support you in making the choices that feel right for you.

ISVAs and IDVAs are lifelines. They can’t erase what’s happened, but they can walk alongside you, ensuring you’re informed, supported, and heard. Reaching out to one can be a powerful first step toward safety, recovery, and justice.