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 Tuesday of the month 11am -1pm at the Bangladeshi Centre) available as a drop in for women to access a safe and confidential space. 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)
