Our high quality, accredited, and award winning ISVA Service provides free and confidential emotional and practical support to ALL survivors of sexual abuse within Hertfordshire, regardless of when the abuse happened or if you have reported it to the police.
We are a team of trained and experienced Independent Sexual Violence Advisors who are here to listen, believe and support you. We understand that every individual’s recovery looks different and we are here to tailor support to your individual needs. We are independent from the police and any other public agencies.
We provide an open and safe space for all, whatever your gender, ethnic background or sexuality. We have specialist ISVAs in our team who support women, men, children and families, and victims of domestic abuse and human trafficking and exploitation.
If you need advice or support for yourself or someone you know please get in touch.
Call 0300 002 0003 where a member of staff can take your referral over the phone.
Alternatively please complete our ‘REFERRAL FORM LINK’ and email it to [email protected]
Discover more about the role of an ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advisor) and how we support survivors. You can also explore details about our services, policies, and how to share feedback.
Not sure if we can support you? Click here for more details, including a dedicated section for children and young people.
For details on how to refer yourself or someone else, as well as available support options, click here.
In emergency, please call 999 – if you can’t speak you can dial 999 and press 55 to get the operator to help. If you are deaf or can’t verbally communicate you can register with the emergency SMS service Contact 999 using Relay UK – How to use Relay UK | Relay UK (bt.com)
How to get help
Contact details
0300 002 0003
[email protected]
Our service operates Monday– Friday 9am-5pm.
Please note we can only accept a referral if the person who is in need of support has consented to the referral being made.
I need help right now
If you are in immediate danger then please contact 999 now and ask for the police. If you have experienced sexual assault or rape within the last seven days and you are unsure whether you want to report to the police yet, you may want to consider directly attending a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).
The local SARC is Herts – SARC 0330 223 0099
At the SARC you can have a forensic medical examination which will be carried out by a specially trained medical examiner. The ‘forensic samples’ will be collected and can be stored for a number of years, which can be used if you later decide to report what happened to the police. You will be supported at every step and offered further healthcare and referrals should you want or need these.
Referring on behalf of someone else
If you are referring on behalf of someone else for example you are a professional or family
member, please ensure you have the consent of the person that would like support You can
make a referral HERE. Or by calling one of our friendly team who are ready to listen.
- Our team will aim to contact you within 48 hours to confirm we have received your referral. We will check with you if you have any urgent support needs that require immediate help.
- You will be allocated an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor. You will have the choice to work with a female or male ISVA if you would prefer. Sometimes our team have a short waiting list, if this is the case you will be informed of any waiting time when we contact you initially. Your ISVA will introduce you to the service and explain our confidentiality and safeguard-
ing procedures. - Your ISVA will then complete an initial assessment with you- you can meet your ISVA face to face if you would like too.
- Your ISVA will provide emotional and practical support as well as support throughout the criminal justice process, including helping you to report if you choose too. Support will begin for a minimum of three months. If you are pursuing a police investigation, your ISVA will continue to support you for the duration.
- When the work with your ISVA is due to end, they will make any onward referrals for further support if this is needed. We are always trying to develop our service and will welcome any feedback you have from your journey with us.
For urgent needs relating to the following contact
- Emergency Safe Accommodation or Refuge – Safer places on 03301 025 811 or email [email protected]
- Hertfordshire NHS Mental Health Services on 0800 6444 101
- Hertfordshire Children’s Services 0300 123 4043
- Hertfordshire Adult Services on 0300 123 4042
- All are available 24/7 365 days per year.
