What is an ISVA?
Sex. Sexual gratification. Sex trafficking. Aside of power, and often related to power, our research clearly demonstrates that a sexual goal is often what groomers are trying to acheive (although sometimes the relationship/sex is just the way to acheive other goals, like money!)
An ISVA is there to provide independent support to victims of sexual violence and sexual abuse. They deliver specialist, victim-centred emotional and practical support, regardless of whether a victim has chosen to report an offence to the police, whether their criminal case has ended, or whether they are victims of multiple offences. They should provide advocacy to help relevant professionals understand the victim's perspective, hand holding through legal processes where required.
ISVAs help victims understand and negotiate the many, sometimes intimidating, systems and processes relating to areas like victims’ rights, health and wellbeing, reporting to the police, criminal justice processes, and access to support services. They can also support victims to access and navigate other support such as health or local authority services.
They are, or should be, sexual violence and sexual abuse victim support specialists with a knowledge of the law and criminal justice processes relating to sexual violence and sexual abuse, including reporting processes, special measures and victims' rights.
Services they might help victims engage with or access include:
sexual health;
education providers;
housing services;
benefits agencies;
therapeutic counselling (including pre-trial therapy);
drug and alcohol services;
mental health services.
They can help victims attending a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), and help them understand Victim’s Code entitlements.
Thir help might include providing information and support for a victim to make complaints/ provide feedback about the criminal justice processed. They might help victims communicate with employers or schools when they need time off to attend police meetings/court or appointments. They can even help negotiate a phased return to work/education, or securing ongoing sick leave.
Some ISVAs have additional specialist expertise for working with victims with specific needs and vulnerabilities.
Subject to availability, an ISVA can work with a victim until they no longer need support, or an alternative service is found.
This often sees victims being supported by an ISVA until a criminal trial ends (or beyond).
Adult sexual grooming is a grey area when it comes to the law, and victims may not always fall into the criteria for being entitled to help from an ISVA. The Survivor’s Trust will be able to advise.
