Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA)

This support might include:

• Help to co-ordinate different agencies as appropriate such as sexual health, mental health, substance misuse and housing
• Liaise with police for regular updates on your behalf concerning your case, that’s if you choose to report the sexual assault
• Help you decide what help and support you need
• Provide information about the full range of options
• Put you in touch with support groups, where possible with your consent
• Offer practical advice on the legal and criminal process
• Support you after your court case, whatever the outcome
• Support you if you decide to give forensic evidence
• Offer support to your family member who is caring for you

Not everybody who has been raped or sexually assaulted wants to report it to the police. This is your choice and nobody will force you to report it unless you want to.

An Independent Sexual Violence Advisor offers confidential advice and support to both females and males who have been the victims of sexual violence. They will help you come to terms with what has happened and explain the options available to you.

Your Independent Sexual Violence Advisor will only provide the support you choose. Their role is not to tell you what to do but help you to make informed choices.

RASAC can help support you to attend;

• Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)
• Police, if you choose to report the incident
• Sexual Health Clinic
• Doctors
• Solicitors
• Housing Office

To make a referral to the ISVA service, fill out our online referral form.

Click here, to see Rape Crisis England and Wales’ statement on self-swab kits.

Who is the CHISVA service for?

Our CHISVA service is an independent specialised support service to help children/young people who survivors of recent and/or historic sexual violent. Our CHISVA’s support all children who are aged 5 and above.

What can a CHISVA do?

Your CHISVA can help you if you are thinking about reporting or have reported what has happened to the police. Not everybody who has been raped or sexually assaulted wants to report it to the police. This is your choice and nobody will force you to report it unless you want to. Your CHISVA will help you come to terms with what has happened and explain the options available to you. Your CHISVA will listen to you and ensure the support offered is specific to you and your needs. Your CHISVA will offer a confidential space and to support you. This means your CHISVA does not have to tell your parents/guardians what you talk about, unless they have a concern for your safety. Your CHISVA will only provide the support you choose. Their role is not to tell you what to do but help you to make informed choices.

Watch this video for more information about our CHISVA service.