New guidance for the role of Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs) and updated guidance for Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) has been published to provide consistency of support for victims say the government.
The guidance has been produced in line with the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 Section 16 (1) which provides a duty on the Secretary of State to issue guidance on specified victim support roles and how these roles can best support survivors of physical and sexual abuse.
The guidance covers issues including how to best help victims navigate the criminal justice system, and how to signpost survivors to support services in the community. It will also look at how advisers can better support the needs of the most vulnerable, including children, through the use of age-appropriate materials.
“Independent Domestic Violence Advisers and Independent Sexual Violence Advisers are vital in supporting victims of domestic and sexual abuse – from helping to navigate the court process to advising on services they can access in their community. (This) guidance will help to improve the consistency of that support. This marks another step forwards in halving violence against women and girls as part of our Plan for Change.”
said Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex Davies-Jones
The guidance comes following a consultation seeking views on the roles earlier this year and details what a IDVA and ISVA is, what their role and responsibility is in the context of supporting victims of abuse, and the typical outcomes of successful engagement. The government say the IDVA and ISVA guidance has been developed ‘in close collaboration with the victim support sector to ensure it accurately reflects how these roles should operate in practice to give victims the support they need.’
The Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 also legislated for guidance on Independent Stalking Advocates which is to be published next year and will be developed by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust.
