IDVA Specialist Support
The IDVAs provide a specialist service for those aged 16 and over, who have been referred to a Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC), and have been assessed as high risk of homicide or serious injury due to domestic abuse.
The IDVAs attend all scheduled and emergency Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARACs) to represent the victim and co-ordinate the actions of Partnership Agencies. Where appropriate the IDVA will also attend Multi Agency Public Protection Panel Meetings (MAPPA).
Referral Process
Referrals to the IDVA service come via referrals to MARAC from statutory agencies, criminal justice system and third sector support services.
THE IDVA SERVICE DOES NOT TAKE REFERRALS DIRECT FROM VICTIMS.
The role of the IDVA
The primary role of the IDVA is to ensure the safety of the victim. They work from the point of crisis for the victim, often just after a police call out. IDVA’s assist victims to get all the necessary support from partner agencies to reduce the risks they face, enhance their safety, and rebuild positive lives.
IDVA’s provide advice, support and information to victims about the range, effectiveness and suitability of options to reduce risk and ensure their safety and that of their children and vulnerable associates.
IDVA’s provide crisis intervention and tailored support for up to 12 weeks. This may include one-to-one sessions; group therapeutic interventions; and learning opportunities, all are informed by the core principles of Prevention, Protection and Recovery.
Below is a list of some of the things the IDVAs can help with:
- Crisis Intervention
- Safety Planning
- Reducing the risk of harm and its impact
- Exploring Options
- Emotional Support
- Access to financial and legal advice
- Support in criminal and civil court cases
- Support to apply for a civil injunction
- Accommodation support
- Support in understanding the dynamics of domestic abuse
- Access to our Domestic Abuse SAFE course (Click here safe course page)
- Support to improve wellbeing
- Access to community support networks and services
- Referring/signposting to internal and external services
- Information and skills to support your children to address the impact of abuse
- Identifying if your children would benefit from accessing specialist support in their own right via the Children and Young People’ service. Click Here for further information.
Frequently Asked Questions
My case has been allocated to an IDVA, what can I expect?
An IDVA will make 3 attempted contacts using the safe methods to make contact with you (this may be via a partner agency if it is not deemed safe to contact you direct). If the IDVA cannot reach you after 3 contact attempts, they will close your case and advise the referring agency of this.
On successful contact, your IDVA will review your current risk and complete a strength based assessment which involves the identification and exploration of your desired outcomes and if applicable determining any needs and support for your children. It will also include developing a person-centred Initial Support and Safety Plan (ISSP).
What is this strengths based assessment?
It is personalised and gives you control over your support. Together we can identify what you would like help with and the outcomes you want to achieve. Initially we will focus on your immediate risk and discuss what can be done to reduce risk. However, a strength based assessment goes beyond focusing on just the risks, it explores your strengths, skills, assets and resources which will serve you in achieving your goals.
What if I change my mind about the support?
That’s absolutely fine. Engagement with the service is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the support at any point. Please let us know if you no longer want support and we will close your case.
Will my sessions be confidential?
All information will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed to anyone unless;
(1) You consent for us to do so
(2) We are required to do so by law
(3) We believe that you, or somebody else, is at serious risk of harm.
Examples where we may need to break confidentiality are in the event of a court order breach or a disclosure of harm or potential harm towards a child or vulnerable adult.
Should it become necessary to break confidentiality, where possible (i.e. it would not put you or someone else at increased risk of harm) we will explain to you the information that is to be shared, with whom and for what purpose/outcome.
How often will my sessions be?
The support is generally structured into weekly or fortnightly telephone support sessions but support can also be face to face if required. This will be discussed and agreed with you following your initial assessment
What if I need more than 12 weeks support?
We will support you to exit the service in a planned way. However, if it’s identified that you would benefit from additional specialist support then this may be arranged through our Recovery Support Programme.
