The Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA), delivered by domestic abuse charity, Hampton Trust, is recognising its 10 year anniversary this month.
The service offers survivors support to sexual violence and abuse survivors on the Isle of Wight at a time when they are ready to come forward about their trauma, which could have happened recently or years ago.
This service is never more needed when we are currently facing record low conviction rates for rape of 1.5%. Survivors are left feeling retraumatised and let down by the criminal justice system.
ISVA work with the police and agencies to help survivors through a confusing and traumatic process.
A survivor from the island who sought the support of ISVA said:
“It was so hard to reach out, but you made me feel like I wasn’t alone. I was hurting, confused and lost but you were there for me, there was no judgement, no shame. I felt I was in a safe place. You helped me realise I’m not to blame.”
Deborah, an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor added:
“I have had people tell me they would’ve given up without our support. What we do is empower people to come forward and to be believed, to know they are not alone and we are here to help them get through the day to day and enjoy their everyday life”
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