What is an IDVA and an ISVA
IDVA's and ISVA's
What is an IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisor)?
The main purpose of independent domestic violence advisors (IDVA) is to address the safety of victims at high risk of harm from intimate partners, ex-partners or family members to secure their safety and the safety of their children. Serving as a victim's primary point of contact, IDVAs work with their clients from the point of crisis to assess the level of risk, discuss the range of suitable options and develop safety plans.
They are pro-active in implementing the plans, which address immediate safety, including practical steps to protect themselves and their children, as well as longer-term solutions. These plans will include actions from the MARAC as well as sanctions and remedies available through the criminal and civil courts, housing options and services available through other organisations. IDVAs support and work over the short- to medium-term to put them on the path to long-term safety. They receive specialist accredited training and hold a nationally recognised qualification.
Since they work with the highest risk cases, IDVAs are most effective as part of an IDVA service and within a multi-agency framework. The IDVA's role in all multi-agency settings is to keep the client's perspective and safety at the centre of proceedings. Grimsby and Scunthorpe It's My Right Service employ three IDVAs across North and North East Lincolnshire. The IDVAs are all co-located with partner agencies and overseen by a central Service Manager.
Studies have shown that when high risk clients engage with an IDVA, there are clear and measurable improvements in safety, including a reduction in the escalation and severity of abuse and a reduction or even cessation in repeat incidents of abuse.
What is an ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advisor)?
The role of Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) is to address the safety of victims of sexual abuse. They work in partnership with Criminal and Civil Justice agencies, health services, the voluntary sector and Victim and Witness Services in providing support and a single point of contact to both victims who access the criminal justice process and those who do not.
A crucial element of the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor role is working in partnership with other agencies, Grimsby and Scunthorpe It's My Right Service employ two ISVAs who work across North and North East Lincolnshire, both are co-located with partner agencies and overseen by a central Service Manager. The ISVA has contacts within all local agencies so referrals can be made as appropriate to housing associations, Benefits Agency, Centre for Sexual Health for fast track checks and appropriate tests, mental health services, arranging self-defence training, together with explaining civil and criminal remedies and providing information and support in relation to Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. The ISVA service is a pro-active service to victims of sexual violence through risk assessment and safety planning, enabling victims to access those statutory and other services they need; ensuring victims are kept well informed and supported as their case progresses through the Criminal Justice System.
Rape and sexual abuse are serious crimes and deeply affect the lives of the victims and their families. The number of cases of rape that are reported to the police have risen dramatically in recent years. The Independent Sexual Violence Advisor provides face to face and telephone support to victims and their families, to help victims to access services to which they are entitled including fast-track referral systems to sexual health follow-up services. The victim is supported through the Criminal Justice System in conjunction with Victim Support.
Victims who have reported serious sexual offences also often report a fear of recrimination and intimidation by perpetrator and/or their associates. The ISVA will identify with each individual client a scale of response that they feel happy with i.e. provision of personal safety advice and arrangements. This will include addressing risk factors with clients and preparing an Individual Service Plan and Safety Plan. This will include consideration of risk issues if the perpetrator is released on police bail if there has been a report to the police. The ISVA can liaise with the police concerning safety strategies.
There are now dedicated serious sexual offence prosecutors within the Crown Prosecution Service. It is now stated that counsel representing the victim should be introduced to them before the trial. The purpose of this is to establish a link between the CPS and victim, and to provide the victim with reassurance that their needs will be taken into account. The ISVA can also explain the Court procedure and the roles of the various parties in a trial to a client; this can include a pre-trial visit to the court. Before the trial begins the victim should have a clear understanding of what to expect at Court in terms of the issues likely to be raised by the prosecution and defence.