ISVA stands for Independent Sexual Violence Advocate. A Young Person’s ISVA provides emotional and practical support to young people aged between 13 – 17 who have experienced any form of sexual violence, and have either reported to the police, or are thinking about reporting to the police.

 

If you have reported to the police, our Young Person’s ISVA can support you throughout the criminal justice process, for as long as it lasts, including providing support at Court.

If you are accessing the Service when you turn 18, the Young Person’s ISVA will continue to work with you.

You do not need to have reported to the police to access the Service. If you are unsure about what you want to do, our Young Person’s ISVA can talk you through how to report, and what happens once a report has been made so that you have the information you need to reach a decision which is right for you.

Our Young Person’s ISVA is independent of the police, social services, and other statutory agencies.

Our Young Person’s ISVA can:

• Provide a free, and flexible, support service, designed to meet your needs – appointments can be held in our office in Leeds City Centre, online, over the phone, or at your school or college. Home visits may be offered where it is safe and appropriate to do so;
• Provide you with the information you need to help you to decide if you want to make a report to the police, and respect your choice;
• Support you through the criminal justice process, including supporting you to give evidence at Court if there is a trial;
• With your consent, speak to the police and other criminal justice agencies on your behalf, ensuring that your voice is heard;
• Help you to understand the criminal justice process, and your rights within it;
• Help you to access other support services if you need them.

 

Do I need the consent of my parent/carer to access the Service?

If you are a young person, aged 16 or 17, you can refer yourself, or be referred in, to the Service without the consent of your parent/carer.

If you are under 16, you can refer yourself, or be referred in, to the Service without the consent of your parent/carer. However, if your parent/carer is not aware of the referral, we will discuss this with you to make sure it is safe for you engage with the Service.

The Young Person’s ISVA will usually work with you on a one-to-one basis, and parents/carers do not attend appointments.

If you are under 16, we do recommend that you inform your parent/carer, or other trusted adult, that you are receiving support from our Young Person’s ISVA Service, but the support you receive is confidential, and will not be discussed with anyone, not even your parent/carer, without your consent. The only exception is if we are worried about your safety, or the safety of someone else.

 

Information for parents/carers

For more information about SARSVL’s Young Person’s ISVA Service, please see our “Guide for Parents and Carers” please click here.

Parents/carers can make a referral on behalf of the young person (using the self-referral form) provided the young person is aware of the referral, and has given consent to it being made.

REFERRAL TO YOUNG PERSON’S ISVA SERVICE (for young people aged between 13 – 17).

To refer yourself, please click here. To refer someone you are working with, please click here.

Our Young Person’s ISVA Service accepts self-referrals, and referrals from other agencies or organisations. If you have any questions about our ISVA Service, or the referral process, please contact us by email (advocacy@sarsvl.org.uk) or call 0113 243 9102