DOMESTIC ABUSE & SEXUAL VIOLENCE SUPPORT

Members of our community are statistically at much higher risk of Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence.

We are linked with a qualified Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) and a qualified Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) who can help.

Domestic Abuse:

Domestic abuse in the UK is defined as any incident or pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse between individuals aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality. This includes physical, emotional, psychological, and economic abuse, among other forms.

Sexual Violence:

This means any sexual activity that happened without consent and covers current, recent or historic abuse.

What can an IDVA/ISVA do to help?

An IDVA will explain your options, can help with appropriate safety planning, can help you decide what you want to do and support you through any changes that you need to make.

Our IDVA is also linked with a Trans Friendly Refuge which can help anyone needing to immediately flee a relationship because of domestic abuse.

An ISVA can listen to your sexual violence disclosure in complete confidence, will explain all your options and can put you in contact with an appropriate Sexual Assault Referral Centre and other help with your crisis if you decide to go forward. An ISVA will also help with attending interviews, appointments and Court if needed and ISVA support will be with you throughout.

A Listening Ear:

Our IDVA/ISVA will listen, will put you in touch with the help you need in your own home area and provide ongoing support.

Code of Confidentiality:

Our IDVA/ISVA operates under a strict code of confidentiality and will never share your personal information without consent except in certain circumstances which have a legal requirement for disclosure. The Code of Confidentiality will be fully explained to you on first contact.

Contact our IDVA/ISVA:

You can contact our IDVA/ISVA in complete confidence by emailing: Lorraine@idsvasupport.co.uk