“Sexual violence is never acceptable, and help and support are always available” – that’s the message from the Isle of Wight’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) Service during this year’s Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, starting on 3rd February.
The Isle of Wight ISVA Service, provided by the charity Hampton Trust, wants all survivors of sexual abuse and violence – no matter their age, gender, or background – to know that they are not alone and can get the support they need.
In 2024 alone, the ISVA Service received 221 new referrals on the Isle of Wight, including 12 men, 23 children and young people, and 20 people aged 55 and older. These individuals often face unique challenges when seeking help, such as stigma, lack of tailored resources, or feelings of isolation.
Deborah Gearing, who manages the service, describes the support the service offers:
“Experiencing sexual violence and abuse is a traumatic experience and survivors often feel isolated and overwhelmed, not knowing what to do next. Added to this is often a feeling of not being believed by others.
“This is where our support comes in. We provide survivors with a safe space to consider their options and feel supported to make decisions that feel right for them. Our independent specialist advice helps survivors make informed choices about what happens next, irrespective of whether or not they choose to report to the police and regardless of whether the abuse happened recently or a long time ago.
“We support survivors in navigating the criminal justice system, advocate on their behalf with other agencies, and provide referrals to additional services, such as counselling, when needed.”
Last year, 20 clients were supported through the court process, often enduring long waits for their cases to go to trial. This highlights how the ISVA team is there every step of the way, providing wrap-around support to ensure clients remain engaged and empowered throughout their journey.
Survivors can access this support through self-referral on the Hampton Trust’s website www.hamptontrust.org.uk/services/isva or by being referred by another organisation.
