Everyone is offered an initial appointment with one of our independent sexual violence advisers (ISVAs).

ISVAs provide immediate and ongoing one-to-one support tailored to each person that needs it. This can be over the phone, by video or in person.

This includes:

• Safety planning without blame and emotional stabilisation.
• Providing clear information and validation.
• Supporting reflection and confidence building.
• Advocacy in matters related to sexual violence, including when rights under the Victims’ Code are not upheld.
• Collaborative working with partner agencies.
• Assistance in understanding and navigating the criminal justice system.

Court and outcome support

Our ISVAs can be there every step of the way in preparing for court and on the day(s) itself.

Our support includes:

• Preparation for court.
• Support during court proceedings.
• Guidance on next steps following an outcome.
• Step down support for those receiving a No Further Action (NFA) decision or concluding court processes.

All ISVAs undertake specialist ISVA accredited training and receive regular supervision to ensure they are able to provide safe and effective support to victim-survivors of sexual violence.

ISVAs are not counsellors, but can signpost or refer to organisations that provide counselling in Lancashire.