The Importance of ISVAs for Survivors of Sexual Abuse

ISVA Training

All ISVAs must receive independent training which is only offered by a small number of providers. It is essential for ISVAs to complete their training so that they can offer support to survivors safely.

The National Occupational Standards outline what is expected from an ISVA role. If someone within an ISVA role hasn’t completed their training, then it’s a requirement that this is made clear. For example, their job title could refer to them as a ‘trainee’. Until they have completed their training in full, anyone in training must be supervised by an ISVA who has completed their training.

Your Single Point of Contact

An important role of an ISVA is to be your single point of contact at all times. This means that you and any other external agencies will communicate through them, which makes the process straightforward for the survivor.

Naturally, this means that your ISVA will be communicating on your behalf with the police, Crown Prosecution Service, Social Care, Witness Service, and any other agencies that are required.

The length of time that this continues for is not limited in any capacity. It is not based on any court decisions or the Criminal Justice System process. Instead, you will get to decide on when you no longer require the support of an ISVA.

Do I Need to Have Reported the Abuse to the Police?

ISVAs offer support irrespective of whether the survivor chooses to report the abuse to the police.

If the survivor has reported the abuse to the police, they offer support through the criminal process. They can also assist survivors to make an anonymous report of the abuse to the police.

ISVAs can provide support before, during and after criminal and civil court proceedings and act as a single point of contact.

ISVAs can also offer support to survivors to access the right to review where the police decide to take no further action. An ISVA will never put any pressure on you to file a report to the police or make any decisions that you are not comfortable with. You will be given all the advice and information you need to help you make your own decisions.

Do ISVAs Support Survivors Under 18?

While sometimes there can be an age limit for ISVA services, there will be help available for everyone who has experienced sexual violence, regardless of their age.

Some ISVA services will only cater to survivors who are over the age of 18. But Children’s Independent Sexual Violence Adviser’s (CHISVAs) support survivors under the age of 18, as well as the parent or caregiver. Usually, these meetings take place in a school setting.

How do I Contact an ISVA?

ISVAs accept referrals from several agencies and survivors can also self-refer.

ISVAs can be based at sexual assault and referral centres and abuse organisations and charities. They are not limited to the Northwest and the Survivors Trust have a useful search tool which allows you to find an ISVA service in your area.

In Manchester, St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, and Survivors Manchester both have ISVAs working within their organisation. In Cheshire and Merseyside, the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre has ISVAs working within their charity.

Why is the Role of the ISVA Important to Survivors of Sexual Abuse?

ISVAs carry out thorough risk and needs assessments which allows for tailored support to be provided to the survivor.  They are also able to refer to other agencies such as substance misuse teams, housing support and community groups.

Can I Bring a Civil and/or Criminal Injuries Claim Whilst Receiving Support From an ISVA?

It is possible to bring a claim whilst receiving support from an ISVA and they can often offer vital support to survivors during the process of bringing a claim.

We encourage survivors to obtain support that is specific to their needs following expert advice, including the support of an ISVA which will allow them to access the crucial support they may need such as housing support, community groups and mental health services.

We know that speaking up about experiences with abuse can be very difficult. Our Abuse Lawyers are experts and are here for you when you’re ready to talk. For more information and to find out if we can help you, get in touch with our specialist Sexual Assault Solicitors.