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Referrals

Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) Service

To book an appointment with an ISVA

01246 559889

info@sailderbyshire.co.uk

Our Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) service offers person centred practical and emotional support to anyone aged 18+ who has experienced sexual assault or sexual abuse at any point in their life, including childhood sexual abuse.

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.

“SAIL is the best accessible charity I know. My ISVA was brilliant, kind and caring. She kept me informed of everything happening with my case. I always feel listened too .”

ISVA Referrals

FAQ’s

What is the role of the ISVA?

· assist you in understanding your rights and the services that you may be able to access
· look after your needs and ensure that you receive care and understanding.
· ensure you are given the information to make informed decisions about the support you access
· provide impartial information and advice
· provide emotional and practical support to help you deal with the effects of rape, sexual assault & assault including 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 / refer you to other services as requested

SAIL ISVA’s will have achieved, or be working towards, accredited training from Lime Culture, and ongoing CPD (Continued Professional Development) to provide you with up-to-date knowledge and experience of differing support needs and further support services.

What are ISVA's not able to do?
• Provide legal advice. ISVA’s are not legal advisors. Impartial information about the criminal justice process is provided but not legal advice
• 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.
Do you provide 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:
· An explanation of police procedures and the Criminal Justice System (CJS)
· With your permission an ISVA can be your single point of contact for you through 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
· Arrange pre-trial visits and inform you of special measures to make giving evidence easier.
· Supporting you before, during and post any court case.
· If you are thinking of reporting to the police and ISVA can also provide your with information on the process, options of how to report and what to expect.
What happens after an ISVA referral?
On receipt of a referral an ISVA will contact you within 5 working days to arrange a convenient appointment time with you.
In your initial ISVA appointment, an ISVA will further explain their role, complete an initial Risk & Needs Assessment with you and provide you with a confidentiality agreement, ISVA Contract & what to expect documentation.
Providing it is appropriate a Safety and Support plan will also be completed with you in your first appointment. If this is not suitable at the time an ISVA will create a further appointment with you within 4 weeks of your initial appointment.
The Safety & Support plan is completed with you to gain a better understanding of you support needs and to further capture your views and opinions, along with agreement of support actions to take place. The Safety and Support plan will be reviewed with you regularly and updated accordingly.
What other services do you provide?

We run a range of other services, from time to time, in support of our three main services. If you are interested to find out more about any of the following then please get in touch with us:

Art therapy - This is an accessable form of therapy which provide emotional support and utilises creative art as a mode of healing.

Drama therapy - Enables people to find their true potential in a private space to work through problems.

Group counselling -This consists of ten weekly, two hour sessions.

Feedback forms

If at any point you are dissatisfied with your support or have issues, comments that you would like to discuss regarding any element of your support, contact, engagement or SAIL you can do so by contacting SAIL office on 01246 559889 or email: info@sailderbyshire.org.uk.

Or write to us addressed to Ruth Gartland at SAIL, 12 Soresby Street, Chesterfield, S40 1JN.

We welcome all types of feedback.

Leaflet Download

ISVA service information leaflet