Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) are trained to provide emotional and practical support to survivors of rape, sexual abuse and sexual assault who have reported to the police or are considering reporting to the police.
ISVAs will support you in a non-judgemental way to work with you to identify your needs and ensure that other agencies provide you with information.
The Essex ISVA service can help you with a range of things depending on your needs and what kind of support you would like. They can:
- Provide you with information on the criminal justice process and what you can expect if you report to the police. They can also support you through the criminal justice system.
- Give you information on health and well-being services and accompany you to your first appointment.
- Help you to think about your safety and what can be done to improve your safety.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
1. Contact us
You make a self-referral or an agency supporting you, such as the police, makes a referral on your behalf.
Self-referral form for family and friends.
Referral form for professionals.
Phone 0300 003 7777
Email support@synergyessex.org.uk.
2. First contact
We will contact you by phone or email. We aim to do this within two working days of receiving your referral. If the ISVA service seems the right service for you, we will aim to offer a meeting within ten working days.
3. Discussion
When you first meet with the ISVA, you can talk to them about your needs and what kind of support you would find helpful. We will also cover things like how to keep in touch with the ISVA, confidentiality and assessing any safety or risk.
4. Support begins
We will meet and communicate with you regularly, depending on how much support you feel you need. This can be in person or over the phone.
