CRASAC provides specialist crisis and advocacy service through our team of Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs).
ISVAs are an accredited service recognised by the Home Office established to improve the experiences of victims of sexual violence within the criminal justice system.
Our ISVAs offer independent, non-judgmental emotional and practical support and advocacy to anyone aged 11 and over (including parents and carers) who has experienced historical or recent sexual abuse, sexual assault, or rape. We also support parents and carers through the criminal justice system for children under the age of 11.
Your ISVA will explain the process of reporting to the police and what to expect from the criminal justice system, to allow you to make an informed decision about whether it is the best step for you.
If you choose to report, they will help you to understand and receive your legal rights and provide independent support throughout any criminal investigations and court proceedings.
Please let us know if English is not your first language and we can organise an interpreter.
Code of Practice for Victims of Crime in England and Wales
The Victim’s Code outlines your rights. It’s a statutory code that sets out the minimum level of service that victims should receive from the criminal justice system. An adapted EasyRead version of the Victim’s Code is also available.
Whether or not you choose to report, your ISVA can also provide you with advocacy support, for example with face to face meetings and telephone calls, and introducing you to other services and agencies that may be beneficial to you.
An ISVA can help ensure that your individual views, opinions, wishes and needs are listened to and respected by the agencies you are involved with.
ISVAs are understanding, respectful and non-judgmental towards whichever choice you make.
They are independent, professional experts who specialise in issues around sexual violence and are completely on the side of victims and survivors.
It is the ISVA’s role to empower and enable each individual they support.
If you feel this service would help you through any sexual assault or rape you have experienced, please contact us today.
“My experience with my ISVA prior to counselling gave me a much needed outlet to talk about my experiences freely and without judgement. She helped me to manage the impact of flashbacks and panic attacks following the trauma and gave me strategies I still use day-to-day. ”