What is an IDSVA?

Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence advocate are specialists who are trained to work with victims of sexual abuse at high risk of serious harm. The role of the IDSVA is to coordinate a multi-agency response to a victim of sexual abuse assessed to be at high risk of serious harm or homicide.

What do they do?

The main purpose of an independent domestic violence advocate (IDVA) is to address the safety of victims at high risk of harm from intimate partners, ex-partners or family members to secure their safety and the safety of their children. Serving as a victim’s primary point of contact, IDVAs normally work with their clients from the point of crisis and assess the level of risk, discuss the range of suitable options and develop safety plans. Their role often begins at the point of crisis for a victim e.g. just after a police call-out, or when a woman goes to hospital for medical help after a violent attack.

For more information or to refer a client, please call us on 02083139303, download a referral form, or email info@bcwa.org.uk.