Agency Referrals

Independent Sexual violence advisor (ISVA)

Women aged 13 and above

ISVAs are specially trained independent advocates who provide support around sexual violence throughout the criminal justice process - from report to court. The Service is free & confidential. If you do report to the police, we can support you throughout the duration of your case.

ISVAs provide holistic support around the following:

  • Feeling Safe and supported

  • Improved health and wellbeing

  • Feeling informed and supported

  • Reintegration towards a more fulfilled life

  • Feeling empowered

  • Having choice and control

  • Engagement with services who can help and support

1:1 support at a mutually convenient place, where the service user will feel safe and supported. Access and support to attend a listening circle once a month (the first Friday of the month 11am -1pm at the Bangladeshi Centre) The purpose of the group is for survivors to have a safe place to rebuild and gain coping strategies to move forward. It is also a safe place for initial conversations and understanding the criminal justice system. We outreach to create awareness about the ISVA role as an ISVA from culturally diverse communities to the local community groups and organisations that support women and girls. Support when attending meetings/ giving statements Telephone support and advocacy Liaising and advocating with the Police, Courts, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and other public agencies, maintaining information about the developments of cases, assisting with court arrangements if the case progresses to trial, advocating on service user’s behalf and informing them of their rights and choices.

How to register

Self-referral via the Shantona website –  get support

Agency referrals via the shantona website –  agency referral

if you have a support worker you can ask them to make a referral for you. If you want to speak to a staff member first to see if this is the right support, you can email or call using the details below. Working days are Tuesday – Friday (9am -4.30pm)

Contact details for more info

Name:  Naggina Asaf

Contact Number: 0113 2497120 |  07949731605

Email Address: naggina@shantona.co.uk