Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs)

At RASASC, we have a team of specially trained and accredited Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) who work across Cheshire, Knowsley and St. Helens.

ISVAs are independent from all other agencies/professionals and provide support and advocacy to anyone who has experienced sexual violence regardless of when the incident occurred and if a report was made to the police.

ISVAs provide impartial advice and support and can help you explore your choices and options.

If you have made a report to the police, ISVAs can provide crucial practical and emotional support throughout the criminal justice process; from report to court our ISVAs are on hand to support you at each step.

ISVAs can support you with:

• Advocating on your behalf to external agencies and ensuring you are aware of your rights and choices.
• Arranging pre-trial and post-trial therapy at RASASC.
• General advice and onward referrals to other support agencies.
• Sexual health information and advice.
• Exploring your options around reporting. This includes how to make a report, what will happen once you make a report, an outline of the criminal justice process, timeframes and the support available to you.
• Liaising with the police, courts, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and other public agencies to assist in keeping you informed with the developments in your case.
• Assisting with court arrangements. If the case progresses to trial, assisting with attendance arrangements, pre court visits, special measures options and witness service support. ISVAs are also able to attend on the day of trial to provide support.
• Information on criminal injuries compensation, the right to review police/CPS decisions and complaint procedures.

Upon receiving your referral our ISVAs aim to contact you within 72 hours and will arrange to meet you for an initial meeting as soon as possible to discuss your support needs. Our ISVAs understand that everyone’s needs are different – we will tailor an individual care plan based on your needs and support requests.

Please click on our ISVA service agreement if you would like to know more about our ISVA service or contact us on 0330 363 0063.

If you are a parent/carer of someone under 18 who has experienced sexual abuse, ISVAs can work directly with you to provide the above support. You can also visit our information for parents and carers page by clicking here.