What is an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor?
The Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) will provide
you with immediate crisis intervention that is tailored to your
immediate and varied needs. We are an independent,
professional and confidential service.
The aim of our work is to listen, encourage and empower you,
enabling you to openly express your feelings within a confident
and safe setting. We will provide you with information to help in
your recovery without overwhelming you.
How can the ISVA help me?
We recognize the severity of the experience that you have had
and that sometimes it may be difficult to speak about the
experience with others. As a result, we act as an advocate, either
with you or on your behalf to ensure that you are able to access
the necessary support in your own time.
 We can help you and your children to stay safe through immediate
crisis intervention, including supporting you with medical
examination, other health needs and housing where necessary
 We can help you to feel safe in your own home, if you choose to stay
there, through additional safety measures
 We can liaise with the police if you want and support you through the
investigation
 The ISVA will work with you if you do not wish to report to the police,
but need help identifying what support you may need.
 We will explain and support you throughout the legal / court
processes
 We can link you with other agencies and forms of help for survivors
of sexual violence, such as specialist counseling, other outreach
services and also help you to develop support network
Sexual assault and rape is a traumatic and extremely stressful
experience, whether it was by someone you know or by a complete
stranger. Every person’s reaction to rape and sexual abuse will be
different, but in all, it evokes the feelings of helplessness and
terror.
Some of the symptoms you may experience or be experiencing
are:
 Constant anxiety
 Fear and shock
 Being on edge and easily startled
 Nightmares
 Sleeping and/or eating difficulties
 Feelings of shame and self-blame
 Headaches and physical discomfort
The experience could lead you to disconnect from others, and this
is common among those who have been exposed to a traumatic
experience such as sexual assault and rape. The most important
thing to remember is that it was not your fault.
SAFETY TIPS
It is important that your safety is safeguarded at all times. The
ISVA will discuss with you a safety plan and provide you with a
‘Keeping Yourself Safe’ leaflet. Staying safe will help the recovery
process. A few tips of safety are as follows:
 If you have concerns that the abuser knows your whereabouts
and/or has made attempts to contact you, you must:
o Call the police immediately on 999
o Inform the ISVA or any other support worker immediately
 If you decide to remain in your house, ensure that you speak to
the ISVA about additional security measures. If you decide to
move, keep your address and contact details confidential and get
an ex-directory number. If possible, change any routines in the
interim period.
Accessing the ISVA service
The ISVA can be accessed through our telephone line on 0116
255 0003 during the following times:
Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm
Out of these hours, please leave a message and the ISVA or a
member of our helpline team will call you back as soon as possible.
Our helpline workers and ISVA are specially trained to support
survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence. We also recognize
that domestic violence is strongly linked to rape and sexual assault.
If you have been assaulted or abused by your partner, ex-partner,
or a member of your family, you can also access support through
our confidential helpline as above and if appropriate, receive
further support from our Independent Domestic Violence Advisor.
At FreeVA, we aim to offer all our clients a confidential,
professional and client-centered service with continuity of
care and support. If you are unhappy with our services
and/or would like to raise a concern, please do not hesitate
to contact the:
Adults Services Manager
DVIRP
PO BOX 7675
LEICESTER LE1 6XY
Tel: 0116 255 0003
Email: admin@freeva.org.uk
All concerns will be dealt with promptly and in confidence.
Have you survived sexual assault
from someone you know or a
complete stranger?
Feeling alone, confused and scared?
The Independent Sexual Violence Advisor is here to
listen and help you access the support that you
need.
We can help you in your journey to recovery
through safety interventions and connecting you
with the appropriate support networks.
DON’T SUFFER IN SILENCE.