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> Independent domestic violence advocate IDVA
IDVA - a dedicated advocate by your side through the hardest moments
Shantona's Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) support victims and survivors of domestic abuse or violence who are at medium to high risk of serious harm. We carry out risk management and safety planning, and help you navigate the criminal justice process - every step of the way.
WHAT IS AN IDVA?
Your independent voice - advocating for your safety and rights.
An Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) is a specialist professional whose sole focus is your safety and wellbeing.
At Shantona, our IDVAs work with victims and survivors who face the highest levels of risk carrying out risk management, safety planning, and supporting you through the criminal justice system.
Who our IDVA service is for
Victims and survivors of domestic abuse or violence who are at medium to high risk of serious harm from intimate partners or family members. Our IDVA will carry out risk management and safety planning – and help you navigate the criminal justice process.
Risk management
Safety planning
Criminal justice navigation
MARAC representation
WHAT WE PROVIDE
How your IDVA supports you
Your IDVA works alongside you at every stage – from initial assessment through to long-term safety planning and advocacy.
Tailored support plans and initial assessment
A thorough initial assessment to understand your situation, followed by a support plan built entirely around your individual needs.
Support and discuss available options
Your IDVA will walk you through all available options so you can make informed decisions about your safety and next steps.
1:1 support
Dedicated one-to-one support – your IDVA is focused solely on you, your safety and your wellbeing.
Healthy relationship sessions
Sessions tailored to individual needs to support understanding of healthy relationships and build confidence.
Advocating on behalf of service users
Your IDVA speaks up for you – including acting as your voice at MARAC (multi-agency risk assessment conference).
Feel empowered and live in safety
Our goal is for every person we support to feel empowered to take control of their lives, living in safety free from abuse and fear.
Weekly Support Group
Stepping Forward
A dedicated support group for women experiencing or recovering from domestic violence and abuse.
Every Tuesday
10:00 AM – 12:00PM
Term-time only
Contact us for current term dates
Shantona Women’s Centre
Shepherds Lane, Leeds LS8 5AW
What is MARAC?
Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference
MARAC is a meeting where professionals from agencies including police, health, and social services share information about the highest-risk cases of domestic abuse – to make a coordinated safety plan. Your IDVA will attend MARAC as your voice, advocating on your behalf.
WHO THIS IS FOR
Who can access IDVA support?
Our IDVA service is for victims and survivors of domestic abuse at medium to high risk of serious harm – from intimate partners or family members.
Improved health and wellbeing
Targeted activities and group sessions designed to support your physical and mental health and help you feel your best.
Improved health and wellbeing
Targeted activities and group sessions designed to support your physical and mental health and help you feel your best.
How to get support
You can access IDVA support by calling us first for advice, referring yourself online, or through a professional agency referral.
Self-referral via the Shantona website – get support
Agency referrals via the shantona website – agency referral
For agency referrals you will need to contact Shantona for a username and password to access the system.
Contact details for more info
Name: Sabina Rahman
Contact Number: 0113 249 7120 | 0796 050 8417
Email Address: sabina@shantona.co.uk
