Independent domestic/sexual violence advocates main purpose is to address the safety of victims at high risk of harm from intimate partners, ex-partners or family members to secure their safety and the safety of their children.

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However in our experience, they are so much more than this. They act as a primary point of contact from the referral stage all the way through to either court sentencing or when a victim feels they no longer need that support. They often discuss safety plans and help develop longer term solutions. 

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Their services are usually for people aged 16+ years. There are however services called CYPIDVA (children and young people IDVAs - or others with similar names) that offer support under 16 years. 

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They receive specialist accredited training and hold a nationally recognised qualification. 

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According to SafeLives, studies have shown that when high risk clients engage with an IDVA, there are clear and measurable improvements in safety, including a reduction on in the escalation and severity of abuse and a reduction or even cessation in repeat incidents of abuse. 

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If you don't want to go to the police but are worried about yours or your children's safety, don't suffer in silence. There are always people that want to help you. 

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Referrals can be made by the victim themselves, by a professional on their behalf or the police. 

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We are in the process of building a directory of all IDVA/ISVA services in the UK which will be available soon.