Spotlight on: Independent Sexual Violence Advisor / Advocate

FORCEWIDE

The Blue Door currently have 16 ISVAs across their three sites in Scunthorpe, Hull, and Grimsby. We caught up with one of them who explains what it means to be an ISVA and how they can support victims and survivors of rape and serious sexual offences:

“I am an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor or Advocate, otherwise known as an ISVA. We work very closely with the police and other agencies, but we are completely independent of them.

“Anything that we talk about is confidential and we would only share any information if we felt that there were any safeguarding issues, which is something we would always discuss with you first.

“We can support you whether you have reported to the police or not. There are many different reasons why people do not want to report to the police, in the first instance, we understand this and will help you through the process whether you want to go down a criminal route or not.

“Our utmost concern is making sure that you get the right support from the right people at the right time.

“We can discuss options with you and any other support needs that you may require from other relevant agencies. We can make onward referrals for you, and work with all relevant partner agencies to ensure that all needs are met. We can act as a link between you and the police and make sure that you are kept in the loop with any ongoing investigations.  We can also navigate you through the reporting process if this is what you want. There is no pressure at all, and we will always remind you that you are in control.

“We have our own counselling and recovery service which offers different programmes that are tailored to your needs.  While you are waiting for these services we will continue to offer both practical and emotional support so you are never alone.

“We believe you.

“We are non-judgemental.

“We want what is best for you.

“We will advocate for you and make sure that you feel supported at all times. If your case goes to court we will be there every step of the way and discuss and put in place special measures so that you can achieve your best evidence and once again feel confident and believed.

“Our support will only end when it is the right time for you and you are ready to move on with your life. Even then we will still be there if you need us.

“We take pride in our job and only want what is best for our brave survivors to ensure that you can slowly but surely put your life back together again.

“The job of an ISVA is humbling, and we feel privileged to be able to be part of your journey. Your wellbeing is our main concern and we will always want what is best for YOU not us.

“Please trust us – we won’t let you down.”