We offer free and confidential practical and emotional support to both children and adults who have experienced rape, sexual violence, sexual abuse or childhood sexual abuse – whether recent or non-recent. Our ISVA Team aims to help give you the confidence, support and information you need to take control of your situation and move forward.
Our high quality, accredited, and award winning ISVA Service is completely independent from the police, NHS or any other public service. We are a Registered Independent Charity that support survivors of sexual violence.
How can an ISVA help you?
Create a safety support plan with you that is tailored to your individual needs. We can help you understand trauma responses, identify coping strategies and a safe support network.
Help you access other organisations that will aid your recovery including sexual health clinics and counselling.
Help you express your views and wishes, and help you stand up for your rights.
Support you at police appointments and throughout the criminal justice process including pre-trial visits and supporting you in court.
Who we can help:
We will support children, young people and adults of all backgrounds:
- Women – 1 in 4 women have been raped or sexually assaulted as an adult (ONS 2023)
- Men – 1 in 18 men have been sexually assaulted as an adult (ONS 2023). We have a specialist ISVA working with males who have experienced sexual abuse and violence.
- Children and Young People – ‘My body belongs to me; I can say NO and feel safe doing so’
1 in 6 children have been sexually abused (NSPCC 2011) - LGBTQ+ – We have a specialist ISVA working with LGBTQ+ people who have experienced sexual abuse and violence, strengthening our response and support across Bedfordshire aswell as Hertfordshire. Additional support can be accessed with Galop, a national helpline for LGBTQ+ victims and survivors 0800 999 5428, email [email protected]
- Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation – We have a specialist ISVA working with people who have been trafficked into or within the UK for sexual exploitation. Additional support can be accessed from the Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline on 08000 121 700 or www.modernslaveryhelpline.org
- Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) – a type of sexual abuse which can happen in person or online. It occurs when individuals or groups take advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity. The young person may not realise they are a victim of a crime.
Click on the relevant area below to access ISVA support.
Hertfordshire Bedfordshire Buckinghamshire
