Crime and victims
Independent Sexual Violence Advisors
New advisors will offer independent help to victims of violent sexual crimes.
On 15 April, Vernon Coaker announced a further £860,000 to fund ISVA services across England and Wales. ISVAs work with victims of sexual violence and abuse to provide support, both to those clients who access the criminal justice service and those who chose not to, helping them to live without fear of violence and access the services they need in the aftermath of the abuse they have experienced.
This new funding will build on funding made available by the Home Office to support ISVAs over the past three years. For further information on how to apply for ISVA funding, please visit the sexual offences mini site (new window)
Help from the very start
The professionally trained specialists will start to work with victims shortly after an attack has been reported - initial contact might take place along with emergency services, for example. They will then continue to offer help throughout the legal process that follows, and beyond.
The advisors will be based in sexual assault referral centres or within volunteer agencies.
Their own work will link with the work of other essential services such as victim and witness organisations, counsellors and health agencies. The advisors will work with those organisations to ensure the safety of the victim is taken into account throughout the process.
