How ISVAs help people who have been raped or sexually assaulted in Devon and Cornwall · Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly funds a number of Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) who work with people who have been victims of rape and sexual assault.

The new partnership agreement will be led by the Women’s Centre Cornwall and will see ISVAs working in Devon and Cornwall across a range of specialist areas and will come into effect on 1 October.

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “I am delighted to welcome Women’s Centre Cornwall, who will lead our new ISVA contract.

“I am committed to ensuring that victims of such traumatic crimes, which can lead to isolation and distress, receive the best possible support to cope and recover. And I trust that we can provide a long-term, robust and innovative service to those who need specialised support following a rape or sexual assault.

“I would like to reassure anyone who currently works with an ISVA, or may do so in the future, that there have been no cuts in funding and there will be no reduction in the number of ISVA posts in Devon and Cornwall.”

Jackie May, Chief Executive of Women’s Centre Cornwall, said: “We are delighted to have been selected to deliver the ISVA service and look forward to working with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to ensure that victims of sexual violence of all ages and genders receive excellent support. Our new partnership brings together the collective expertise of six highly skilled local organisations: Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services, the Children’s Society, Intercom Trust, West Cornwall Women’s Aid, the Olive Project and Konnect Communities. Together we are well placed to effectively support every community across the peninsula.”

All parties will work to ensure that the transition between suppliers is sensitive and that disruption to everyone working with an ISVA is kept to a minimum.

Anyone who believes they may need the support of an ISVA can call 0300 303 4626 or visit sarchhelp.co.uk for more information. For more resources on your rights and what to expect after a crime, visit victimcare-dc.org.

What is an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA)?

Independent Sexual Assault Advisers (ISVAs) provide specialist support to people who have experienced rape, sexual assault or abuse at some point in their lives.

ISVAs are independent of the police and provide victims/survivors with impartial information about all their options. This may include reporting to the police, accessing Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) services or specialist support such as sexual violence counselling.

If the victim/survivor chooses not to report to the police, ISVA can help them access other services for ongoing support. ISVA can also accept and pass on anonymous information to the police if the victim/survivor wishes.

If someone is going through criminal proceedings, the ISVA will work with them until the case is concluded or until they feel they no longer need support. ISVAs provide both emotional and practical support, helping to manage expectations and explain why there may be delays in a case, what each step means and how it might affect them or make them feel, and accompanying them to interviews and in court.

They also offer support to those affected so that they can cope with what they have experienced and access further help if needed.

ISVAs support women, men and children of all ages (and their families where appropriate), including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender victims/survivors, people with disabilities and people of all ethnicities and nationalities.

For more information or to contact an ISVA, call the Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Helpline: 0300 303 4626 or visit https://sarchhelp.co.uk/