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Our Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) service offers practical and emotional support to anyone aged 18+ who

has experienced rape, sexual assault, abuse or sexual violence at any point in their life, including childhood sexual abuse.

What ISVA's can do:

• An ISVA can assist you in understanding your rights and the services that you may be able to access

• ISVA's are independent of the police, courts and other agencies

• ISVA support is provided regardless of whether you choose to report to the police or not

• An ISVA is trained to look after your needs and ensure that you receive care and understanding

• ISVA support is person centred

• ISVA's provide impartial information and advice

• ISVA's ensure you are given the information to make informed decisions about the support you access.

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What ISVA’s Do Not Do: 

• ISVA’s are not legal advisors – so they only provide impartial information about the criminal justice process. They do not provide legal advice. 

• ISVA’s can not be present whilst statements are taken or evidence for interviews. 

• ISVA’s cannot hear details provided by you via audio link or recording at a later date. 

• ISVA’s should not be informed of the evidential details of your case or discuss this with you as this could be seen as ‘coaching’ a witness. 

• ISVA’s do not provide therapy or counselling, though we can make a referral for you if you wish. 

Practical and Emotional Support:

• Emotional and practical support to help you deal with the effects of rape, sexual assault or violence or       childhood sexual abuse

• Provide you with information about safety options and the services that are available to you

• Communicate and work alongside other agencies to assist you with negotiating the support you need

• Signpost to other services as requested

• An ISVA can assist with practical matters such as housing/benefits/health services

• Support to attend other services or appointments (eg housing/GP)

 

Criminal Justice System Support:

If you choose to report to the police an ISVA can support you through this process and any

subsequent Court proceedings such as:

• Support through the process (pre and post trial support)

• An explanation of police procedures and the CJS

• Liaison with the police, courts, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and other public agencies ensuring

you are informed with the developments in your case

• If you so wish an ISVA can be your single point of contact for you through the CJS

• Arrange pre-trial visits and inform you of special measures to make giving evidence easier.

Supporting you before, during and post any court case.

• Support regarding applying for Criminal Injuries Compensation (CICA)

Please note that ISVA's are not legal advisors - they provide impartial information about the criminal justice process and cannot provide legal advice

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Sail's ISVA commitment to you:

• Clear, professional boundaries ensuring that we support you and do not jeopardise your case

• Clear confidentiality agreements in place regarding sharing information

• SAIL ISVA's ensure that they will provide you with support to access other agencies to survive and thrive

• SAIL ISVA's have a thorough understanding of the different professional roles and responsibilities of other professionals and support services that are available locally and referral processes

• In order to identify your needs we will complete a Risk Assessment, Needs Assessment and a Support Plan with you. This will be reviewed regularly and updated accordingly.

• One of the SAIL ISVA's will aim to contact you within 3 working days of receiving your referral, and where possible and necessary, will complete onwards referrals within 5 working days following discussion. 

• SAIL ISVA's aim to complete assessment within 7 working days of initial contact, but at a maximum 14 days. During the assessment, a risk assessment will be completed, and ISVA contract discussed. 

• SAIL ISVA's will have achieved, or be working towards, accredited training from Lime Culture, and ongoing CPD (Continued Professional Development).

• SAIL ISVA's can offer flexible working hours between 8am and 8pm where necessary.

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Alternatively, please contact the office on 01246 559889.

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FOR PROFESSIONALS / AGENCIES

Please fill in form and send to us via CJSM at isva.team.sail@sail.cjsm.net, or contact the office

on 01246 559889 to complete a referral form:

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