Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA)

The Government, who are committed to tackling sexual violence, commissioned the services of Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) across the country to support victims of sexual violence. On 25 November 2009, the Government published the Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy which set out how crucial ISVAs have become in supporting victims of sexual violence and abuse.

Savana has two Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) each of whom advise and support people who have been raped or sexually abused.

The ISVA can help anyone who has experienced rape or sexual abuse at anytime in their life. They will be sensitive to your needs and move at your pace, will not tell you what to do, but will help you make informed choices.

The ISVA can support you in a number of ways:-

• To help you decide if you wish to report to the police and give you information about the legal process and your rights.
• If you have made a report to the police the ISVA will support you in all stages of the legal process. If your case goes to court, the ISVA can be with you when you give evidence.
• Assist you with contacts with the police and prosecution service.
• Work with you if you o not wish to report to the police, but need help identifying what support you may need. The ISVA will help you to access that support. You will have the opportunity to talk about your situation in a safe space.
• Listen to you, find out what your needs are and assist you to gain support from other agencies. For example housing, health, addiction and counselling.
• Work with you to identify what kind of support (if any) you require. The ISVA has links with services across Staffordshire and will help you to access these services.

The service is confidential, your details will only be shared in the following circumstances:-

• Where you give consent for the confidence to be broken.
• Where the counsellor is compelled in a court of law.
• Where the information indicates that there is a significant risk of significant harm to you or someone else and telling someone would make a difference.

Your ISVAs at Savana are Kay Glover and Tracy Bond. You can contact either of them on 01782 221000 and leave a message. Please tell us if it is safe to leave a message on the number you provided or with someone you live with. Either Kay or Tracy will ring you ASAP. The ISVA can see you in your own home, the office, or at another suitable venue. The support is open-ended and can be time-limited or ongoing.