Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy Service (IDVA)

 How we can help you

We are very proud of our award winning Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy Service.  This service has been running since 2007 and supports victims of domestic abuse whose case has been assessed as medium to high risk.  It is staffed by a team of fully trained advisors known as IDVAs (Independent Domestic Violence Advocates).

The service provides short-term (average of three months) intensive support to help victims, many who are still within the abusive relationship, break free from domestic violence.  

If you need the service you can contact us either by calling our helpline or by a referral from a professional agency.  You will then be offered a risk assessment so that we can ascertain your level of need.  If your risks are high enough then you will receive support from this team (if your risks are lower then we can still help you as you will be referred to our in-house, fully trained outreach workers).

Your IDVA will work with you to assess your level of risk and to help you plan so that if your risk level increases further you can escape safety and quickly.  The IDVA will also advocate on your behalf so that you can access local support agencies, such as Solicitors, Housing Associations, health care, the police and fire service which can all help to protect you and your children.

Your IDVA can also help you if you want to bring your abuser to justice and can attend the Specialist Domestic Violence Courts with you so that you have the support you need.

Here at Berkshire East & South Bucks Women’s Aid we also recognise that for many of our clients, domestic abuse is often not the only challenge that they face.  Therefore our IDVA team consist of mix of advocates who can support anyone in need as well as advisors who specialise in supporting a particular group.

 Our Specialist Advocates include:

•  An IDVA who supports pre and post natal victims of domestic abuse.
• An IDVA who supports victims from Eastern Europe.
• An IDVA who supports women from Black Asian Minority Ethnic groups who are victims of domestic abuse.
• A Male IDVA who can support high risk Male victims.
• An IDVA who supports victims of domestic abuse who also misuse drugs and alcohol.

 To contact the IDVA team:

If you would like to contact us please email idva@ebwomensaid.org.uk  

Please download our referral form hereIDVA Outreach referral form1