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Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Support
An ISVA is an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor; a trained specialist who offers non-judgemental, practical and emotional support to survivors of sexual abuse who are thinking of reporting to the police. It is the ISVAs role to work with survivors and help them access support services and address long and short-term needs throughout the criminal justice process.
If you are aged 13 or over (for all genders) then you can call the RSACC on 01325 354119 and refer yourself for the ISVA service or email info@rsacc-thecentre.org.uk.
We also have specialist ISVAs who work with:
- the LGBTQ+ community
- Children and Young People
- Older People
- People with Learning Disabilities/Difficulties and/or Autism
Our ISVA service is supported by the Durham Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office.
If you want to know more, please go to our How an ISVA can support you.
If you would like to know more about the people who can support you, please go to Meet our ISVA Team.
Our ISVA will:
- Offer support for those thinking of reporting
- Provide you with impartial information to enable you to make choices
- Offer an overview of the police process and what to expect
- Support you through the criminal justice process
- Liaise with police, courts and Crown Prosecution Service, and work closely with other agencies involved
- Accompany you to important appointments
- Support your next steps after the legal process
- Offer continuing support after the criminal justice process
If you are aged 13 or over (for all genders) then you can call the RSACC on 01325 354119 and refer yourself for the ISVA service or email info@rsacc-thecentre.org.uk.
ISVA Referrals
If you would like more information on the ISVA service, or to book an appointment,
please Email: info@rsacc-thecentre.org.uk
Or call: 01325 354119
We try to answer calls within office hours. If we are unavailable please leave a message on the answer machine and we will get back to you.
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Testimonials
It’s made me a happier, stronger, more confident, positive person!
I am no longer hiding from life and I have learned to say yes and no. I now do things for me!
The training sessions were engaging, very informative and eye opening. The information on the statistics and range of services was very useful to know as they helped understand the scale and difficulties with sexual violence etc.
My time here has been so helpful to me. Having time to step back and look at some of the difficult things that have happened in my life and recognise I have strength has been so precious to me. I am so thankful for being able to access such an amazing safe haven! You have given me the opportunity to step back and breathe again. I feel like a stronger person, able to face the world and live again. I am empowered!
Just a quick note to say thank you for listening to me and helping me to rebuild my life. I feel happy and like I am ready to live again. Life is good. I never thought I would feel this good again. Talking has helped me through the darkness and to clear out the weeds in my life. Now my life looks sunnier and I have much to look forward to. I also have real flowers in my garden now. So it shows things can change.
