Advocacy

Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy (ISVA)

Understanding your options. Supporting your choices.

One in Four provides a specialist Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) service for adult survivors of child sexual abuse who are considering reporting the abuse they experienced as children to the police.

We understand that deciding whether to report the abuse you experienced as
a child is a deeply personal decision. Whatever you decide, our role is to ensure you have
the information, support and space to make the choice that feels right for you.

Deciding whether to report can feel overwhelming. You may have questions about what will happen, whether enough time has passed, what the police process involves, or whether reporting is the right decision for you.

Our ISVA service provides independent information, practical guidance and emotional support to help you understand your options and make informed decisions at a pace that feels right for you.

There is no expectation or pressure to report. Many survivors choose not to, and we will support you in exploring your options without judgement.

What is an ISVA?

An Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) is a specialist who supports survivors of sexual violence through the criminal justice process.

Your ISVA is independent of the police and the courts. Their role is not to tell you what to do, but to ensure you have the information, support and understanding you need to make the decisions that are right for you.

At One in Four, our ISVA specialises in supporting adult survivors of child sexual abuse.

How to support this service

Our advocacy service is a free service and relies on charitable support. To help us please click the Donate button.

How our ISVA service can help

Whether you are thinking about reporting or have already decided to do so, our ISVA can:

• Explain the criminal justice process in clear, straightforward language.
• Answer your questions about reporting to the police and what to expect.
• Help you understand your options so you can make informed decisions.
• Support you in contacting the police if you would like us to.
• Help you understand questions the police may ask you during your formal statement.
• Provide practical and emotional support during the early stages of the criminal justice process.
• Where appropriate, support you while arrangements are made for a longer-term ISVA service to take over your advocacy.

If you decide not to report, we can still answer your questions and help you understand the options available to you.

We can also provide information about the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) and explain how compensation may be available following a police investigation.

What to expect

Every survivor’s experience is different.

Some people contact us simply because they want to understand the criminal justice process before deciding what to do. Others choose to report to the police. Some investigations progress further, while others may conclude without further action.

Whatever your circumstances, our ISVA will listen without judgement, explain the process clearly, and support you to make informed choices throughout your time with us.

If you report to the police and require longer-term advocacy, we will support you for as long as we are able while arrangements are made for an appropriate longer-term ISVA service to take over your support.

Who our ISVA service is for

Our ISVA service is available to adult survivors of child sexual abuse.

We do not provide advocacy for:

• Current sexual offences. 
• Sexual offences committed against adults. 
• Domestic abuse or other non-child sexual abuse offences. 

If another organisation is better placed to support your needs, we will help signpost you to the most appropriate specialist service.

Counselling alongside advocacy

Many survivors find that engaging with the criminal justice process brings up difficult emotions.

Where appropriate, clients can access One in Four’s specialist counselling service alongside ISVA support. Counselling and advocacy are separate services that work together to provide both emotional and practical support.

Contact our ISVA service

If you would like to find out more about our Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy (ISVA) service, please contact us:

Email: advocacy@oneinfour.org.uk

Telephone: 020 8697 2112

Our ISVA will arrange a time to speak with you, answer your questions and explain how we may be able to support you.

Whether you are simply exploring your options or are ready to report to the police, we will listen, explain your choices clearly, and support you without judgement.

If you are interested in our counselling support, please click here.