ISVA Service
ISVAs provide information and support through the criminal justice process for people who have experienced sexual violence or abuse.
Our adult Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) provide information and support for people who have experienced rape and other serious sexual offences, no matter when it happened.
- Rape
- Attempted rape
- Assault by penetration
- Childhood sexual abuse that happened over a period of time (not online)
Information about the Adult ISVA Service
What is the Adult ISVA Service?toggle accordion content
Our adult Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) provide information and support for people who have experienced rape and other serious sexual offences, no matter when it happened.
Our main focus is around the criminal justice process. This might include but is not limited to: support in communicating with the police; understanding your rights and options through a police investigation, support in the lead up to a trial, and supporting you at court.
Who can get help from the Adult ISVA Service?toggle accordion content
Our adult ISVA service is available to survivors of recent and non-recent rape and other serious sexual offences and who have an open police investigation. There is information HERE on how to report to the police.
The service is open to people of any gender who are aged 18 or over. If you are looking for support for someone under 18 please see information on our Children and Young People’s Service.
We have a range of specialisms within the team, including:
- Criminal Justice ISVAs supporting clients living in Sussex
- An ISVA for people who experience racism (PWER ISVA), covering Brighton and Hove or East Sussex.
Is the service accessible?toggle accordion content
We welcome people with disabilities to use our service. Please get in touch with us if you have any access or communication needs and we will seek to accommodate these.
Our building is spread across three floors and there is no lift, however, we can arrange for the use of a private accessible room in another building if we need to meet.
Our building does not currently have hearing loops fitted.
We have use of alternative accessible locations in Seven Dials and Eastbourne.
If you have any concerns about being able to access our office, please do get in touch.
Is the service confidential?toggle accordion content
We aim to provide you with the opportunity to explore whatever issues you want to, in a space that is safe where you can feel accepted and supported. However, there are some exceptions to us being able to offer complete confidentiality across all scenarios, and there may be times when we are limited in what we can discuss with you if criminal justice proceedings are something you are involved in or considering.
Circumstances in which we may be required to pass on information may include:
- if we become aware of a risk of harm to yourself, or to other people.
- if we ordered to by a court of law
- if you give us information related to an act of terrorism
We would always endeavour to get your consent before we shared any information. We will discuss this with you further when we contact you about your referral.
How do I report to the police?toggle accordion content
We understand that navigating your options after sexual assault can be really overwhelming.
Visit our reporting options page here or download our full guide to reporting to help make the decision that is right for you.
Need more information?
If you have any questions or would like to know more call 01273 203380 or email us via info@survivorsnetwork.org.uk
Our work with the SOLAR Clinic
The SOLAR Clinic offers a confidential, non-judgemental service dedicated to men and women who have experienced sexual assault both recently and historically.
Our Children’s ISVA
We provide a specialised service supporting children aged 13 or under with advocacy support.
Our PWER ISVA
We provide free information and support to people who experience racism and who have also had an unwanted sexual experience.
Announcement About Our Specialist ISVA Provision for the Diocese of Chichester
Survivors’ Network has been informed that the secondment of an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) to the Diocese of Chichester Safeguarding Team will be coming to an end. This change reflects recent shifts in funding structures, alongside wider changes in safeguarding provision across the Church of England.
While this secondment is ending, Survivors’ Network remains committed to supporting survivors of sexual violence across Sussex through our core services.
Survivors who wish to access support through the Diocese can continue to contact the Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@chichester.anglican.org. Those seeking independent, specialist support can also contact Safe Spaces, which offers free and confidential support for anyone affected by church-related abuse.
We recognise that changes to support pathways can feel unsettling, and we encourage anyone affected to reach out to a service that feels right for them. No one has to navigate this alone.
We have lots of resources designed to support you with a range of topics, including a comprehensive self-help guide.