1 December 2023

Author: Jas, Specialist Senior Independent Sexual Violence Advisor, Hestia’s Everyone’s Business team 

During 16 Days of Activism we’ve invited other organisations to shed light on how they’re combatting gender-based violence and domestic abuse. Join us as we learn, explore strategies, share stories and advocate for a future that ensures all victims are supported. 

What is an ISVA? 

Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) provide specialist support for people who have experienced sexual violence. As an ISVA, I work with people who have experienced rape and sexual assault, irrespective of whether they have reported to the police. 

Transparency is an important element of my role, and trust is gained through supporting them step by step, being honest and providing them with the relevant materials to help them make informed, empowered decisions.

Personally, I feel my role is about empowering women and men to make informed decisions about their lives. I also provide support for the LGBTQIA+ community. Making a report of sexual violence to the police can be a daunting process, there are a lot of unknowns around the criminal justice system, and a lot of fear about what happens next. It is important that I encourage clients to know and exercise their rights within the reporting process, giving the power of choice back to them.  

Women and men who have access to ISVA support are more likely to remain engaged in the process, and this motivates me to provide the best support I can.

Transparency is an important element of my role, and trust is gained through supporting them step by step, being honest and providing them with the relevant materials to help them make informed, empowered decisions. Women and men who have access to ISVA support are more likely to remain engaged in the process, and this motivates me to provide the best support I can. 

What does a typical day look like?  

Every day looks different as an ISVA, and while I can look at my calendar and prepare for the day ahead, a crucial part of my role is considering the unplanned, urgent requests. The aim is to minimise risk and I prioritise workload based on this and any safeguarding concerns.  

Support can vary, on some days I will be doing advocacy work, representing the client’s voice in meetings with professionals and ensuring their needs are met. As an ISVA a key part of the role is building positive relationships with partnership agencies to create wraparound support. I work closely with Investigating Officers (both criminal justice and internal misconduct), Sexual Offences Investigations Team Officers (SOIT) and Victim Support Units. 

On other days, I attend court hearings and misconduct hearings in person or via video link and arrange familiarisation meetings for clients with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) prior to them attending trial or hearings. I can also arrange for clients to meet the prosecutor, which is an opportunity to arrange any special measures. For instance, we can request a screen to be used during the trial to minimise distress to the client and avoid contact with the suspect. An ISVA will be present during the trial, providing emotional support and offering reassurance throughout the day.   

On other days I will conduct welfare checks, where I follow up with the individual on each step of the process. This can include how a trial went, a visit to the Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) or a decision made by the police to take no further action. All of these can be extremely difficult, and I have had clients who have received a decision of no further action who were devastated. I am there to remind them that there are always more options and to create a safe space for them to feel heard. 

A fundamental part of my role as an ISVA is to record information clearly and concisely to avoid losing any vital information and to avoid any contamination in the investigation process. I cannot coach the individual through the process, but I can reassure them and set expectations to ensure that they remain engaged.  

How do you look after your own wellbeing? 

Sometimes listening to clients’ experiences of sexual violence can have an impact on one’s own wellbeing. We are humans with feelings, which is why it is important to me to practice self-care. I enjoy daily walks and I find nature is a soothing and calming safe place. I also get support at work, where we engage in regular supervisions to debrief and discuss difficult cases.  

What is the best part of your role?  

The most rewarding part of my role is supporting clients through the criminal justice process, right up to the trial and even onto follow-on care. Sexual violence can have a huge impact on a person’s wellbeing, this can be a historic or current incident, but both can have an extremely detrimental effect.  

While I am not therapeutically trained, I can offer emotional and practical support in conjunction with a therapist. Even though this can be one of the more challenging parts of this position it is truly a privilege to be able to support clients through this process, reassuring you are here to help with the goal to bring them the justice they deserve.  

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Hestia’s Everyone’s Business team can provide a specialist service for employees, staffed by dedicated Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) and Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs). Learn more about Hestia’s Everyone’s Business offer.