Sexual violence and domestic abuse

If you have been affected by sexual violence or domestic abuse, you might experience short and long term emotional and physical effects. This can have a big impact on your life.

Help and support for sexual violence

What is an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser?

ISVAs are professionals that can give you practical and emotional support. It doesn’t matter whether the crime has been reported to the police. You can speak to your ISVA in person, over the phone, via email or by text. Your ISVA will respond sensitively to your needs and will support you at your pace. They are your advocate and will work with you to find out what kind of support you need. They will only give you the support you choose and will work with you for as long as you want.

Your ISVA can:

• Assess your needs
• Provide information and advice to help you think through your options
• Work with other agencies to make sure that you are safe
• Help you get external counselling or mental health services if necessary
• Support you with sexual health issues and appointments
• Support you with housing concerns
• Give information about other specialist services such as drug and alcohol agencies
• Making referrals to these agencies with your consent
• Support you at appointments such as with your GP, GUM (genitourinary medicine clinic), police interviews or housing offices

Reporting to the police

Your ISVA will support you regardless of whether you chose to make a report or not. If you do decide to report the crime to the police your ISVA will:

• Keep you up-to-date with your case
• Explain legal jargon and processes
• Offer you a pre-court visit
• Explain ways in which the trial could be made easier for you
• Attend court with you
• Support you whatever the outcome
• Guide you in applying for criminal injuries compensation following the trial

Any information you give will stay confidential. The only time we may have to disclose information to appropriate other agencies is when we feel that you or someone else is at risk of harm or we are required by law to do so.

Call us on 0300 323 0085, email [email protected] or visit lancashirevictimservices.org to find out more.

Help and support for domestic abuse

Domestic abuse or domestic violence can take many forms and can happen in relationships, in families, shared homes or through previous partners. It affects both men and women and it happens between people of all cultures, backgrounds, religions and social groups regardless of sexual orientation. Domestic abuse is about one person exerting power over another, and it often gets worse over time. The abuse can take place in person or digitally, online or through mobile phones. It is never acceptable, and you are not to blame if it is happening to you.

IDVAS are specially trained professionals that will:

• Listen to you in a non-judgemental way, prioritising your safety and confidentiality
• Provide emotional support and help with housing, benefits and legal advice
• Ensure you get practical safety advice for you and your family
• Help you explore options and encourage you to make your own choices
• Give you time to think and offer you support regardless of the decisions you make
• Help you to support any children that may have been involved
• Provide information and take action to help you stay safe

There is a way out of abusive relationships, we can help you find it.

Call us on 0300 323 0085, email [email protected] or visit lancashirevictimservices.org to find out more.