The role of an ISVA is to support survivors who have experienced sexual violence and abuse. It does not matter if the incident(s) happened yesterday or years ago. 

The Survivors Trust runs a free, national Online ISVA Advisory Service for people aged 18+. We welcome victims/survivors who do not have access to ISVA support, namely where local service demand has resulted in closure of waiting lists or a local ISVA service is not available.

An ISVA is an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor and is trained to look after your needs and to ensure that you receive care and understanding. They will help you understand how the criminal justice process works, and will explain things to you, such as what will happen if you report to the police, and the importance and process of forensic DNA retrieval.

An ISVA is there to provide you with information only so that you can make the right decision for you. By contacting us, you are not expected to report any offence to the police. 

The service can provide advice, guidance and information from qualified ISVA practitioners to support you in accessing the relevant support and service/s available to help develop and facilitate your onward care plan and manage risks.

Risks will be assessed and discussed with you and actioned as necessary. Unlike a local ISVA service, advocacy would be limited, and appointments will be conducted virtually. We will support you to self-refer into other required services you may need, with the exception of any safeguarding responsibilities, which will be actioned by The Survivors Trust.

Objectives:

The aims of The Survivors Trust Online ISVA Advisory Service are to:

1. • Provide a temporary stop gap for under-resourced ISVA service provision.
   • Ensure that individuals without access to ISVA support benefit from access to specialist knowledge and guidance around their options and rights by qualified ISVA practitioners 

• • Collate data to evidence the need for increased sustainable funding for ISVA services nationwide.

Eligibility and How to Access:

The eligibility criteria for the service are designed to ensure that we are able to offer support within the scope of resources, the capacity of the service and the remit of The Survivors Trust.

1. 1. You have attempted to access your local ISVA Service and the waiting list is closed
   2. There is no local ISVA service available.
   3. You do not have an IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisor) or are currently in a refuge.
   4. You need to be a resident in the UK.

TST aims to provide guidance to all those eligible, however there may be occasions due to demands on service and limited capacity, that we may not be able to offer guidance to all eligible referrals. These will be decided on a case-by-case basis and under constant review.

Please complete the following Self -Referral Form and send to: isva.advisory@thesurvivorstrust.org

SELF-REFERRAL FORM

We are also able to take referrals from professionals. If you are a professional, please complete a separate referral form and send to: isva.advisory@thesurvivorstrust.org 

PROFESSIONAL REFERRAL FORM 

We will reply to your request with 10 working days. For any queries please contact: 

isva.advisory@thesurvivorstrust.org