ISVA stands for ‘Independent Sexual Violence Advisor’ and acts as an integral service for survivors of sexual violence or abuse who are thinking of (or already have) reported their experiences to the police. Their role is to support you through the criminal justice process. You can make a referral online and male-identifying survivors have the choice of both male-identifying and female-identifying ISVA.
A message from our Male ISVA…
“It can be incredibly difficult for men to reach out to services, and we recognise the complexities around speaking out and the barriers men can face. It can be challenging for some men to talk about trauma or unsettling events that have happened in their lives.
It takes immense courage to seek support and to begin this journey of recovery. You are not alone in this process, and we are here for you whatever stage you are at in your journey. We uphold strict confidentiality standards to ensure that your personal information and experiences remain private and secure. You can trust that your conversations with our team and fellow survivors will be treated with the utmost respect and discretion.
We use the empowerment model to help you make sense of your choices and to empower you to make the right decisions for yourself. Every step you take is a step towards healing and reclaiming your life. The support we offer looks different for everyone, but it can include one-to-one sessions with an ISVA for emotional and advocacy support, linking you in with our colleagues at Mankind for specialised therapeutic support, and signposting to other organisations. We are able to provide you with expert knowledge regarding the reporting process and criminal justice system and can help you navigate communication with the police.
At Survivors Network we have created a safe and judgment-free space where you can share your feelings, and thoughts with individuals who truly understand what you’ve been through. Our goal is to provide unwavering support, validation, and guidance as you embark on your path to recovery.
If you’re uncertain about where to begin, please know that the first step is often the most challenging. Reach out to us when you feel ready, and we will be here for you. There is no timeline for healing, and your progress is entirely your own. Please be assured you are not alone in this.”
Other Services
We are always looking at developing our services, we will keep this page updated with any additional services or changes.