Independent Sexual Violence Advisory Service and Specialist Student ISVA Service

Independent Sexual Violence Advisory Service.

Are you unsure of how to report a sexual assault, or what might happen next?

East Kent Rape Crisis are here to support you.

We are here to support survivors in whatever decision they take, whether they report to the Police or not.

The service is confidential and is here to be an independent voice with knowledge of a world not experienced by most people before. ISVAs are not here to make decisions for a survivor but to explain the options and processes

to help them make a decision that is best for them.

All of our ISVA team are fully accredited by either Lime Culture (UK’s leading sexual violence training and consultancy organisation) or by Rape Crisis England and Wales.

More Information

The ISVAs (Independent Sexual Violence Advisors) are here to support everyone thinking about what to do after surviving sexual abuse or rape.

If a survivor does report, then we help them navigate through the criminal justice process from start to finish.

Our entire ISVA team receive regular ongoing clinical supervision to protect their own wellbeing and to ensure that an appropriate level of service is maintained.

The ISVA team can be contacted on 01227 826 900 or alternatively you can email isva@ekrcc.org.uk

Service users will be contacted by the ISVA Team within 48 hours.

Specialist Student

ISVA Service

Practical and emotional support and advice specifically for students who are survivors of sexual violence, either recent or historic.

Our specialist Student ISVAs are here for anyone in education with links to colleges and universities, making the situation easier for those dealing with trauma whilst continuing to study.

isva@ekrcc.org.uk

01227 826 900

INDEPENDENT SEXUAL VIOLENCE ADVISORY SERVICE.

This services offers advice and enables you to access the appropriate pathway to meet your needs.

We can help you understand how the process works and what to expect at each stage to enable you to make an informed decision about reporting.

You may want to know how the process works, what to expect from each stage of the process, who to contact regarding different areas of the process, maybe you want to know how to go about reporting or even if you have to. Our service is hear to support you and talk through all of options the so that you know what to expect.

We offer emotional and practical support
This service is available to everyone of all ages.
You do not have to report to the police in order to access this service.

We work in partnership with other local services, to ensure the best support is made available to you.

Our ISVA Policy ISVA Service Agreement

There are a number of factors that can prevent people from

reporting sexual assault. Some of these include...

01

A fear of not being believed.

02

A fear that the abuse/violence will worsen once the perpetrator discovers the victim has revealed their secret.

03

A fear of the stress and uncertainty of the justice system.

04

A distrust of the police and legal system.

If you do decide to report, if you have done so already, or if you are considering doing so, we can help you.

If you have already reported

We can help you to understand the process and what might happen next.

We can also communicate with the police and other agencies on your behalf if you would like us to do so.

We can help you to access counselling.

If you had reported in the past

If you want to speak about your experience or have questions about what happened, we can speak to you about this.

We can communicate with the police and other agencies on your behalf if you would like us to do so.

We can help you access counselling.

If you haven't reported

You can still access this service.

We are not here to tell you what to do, but we can provide helpful information about what you might be able to expect depending on what choice you make.

We can also help you access counselling if you would like to do so.

Family Advocacy

Family Advocacy is a service to help families deal with and support each other when there has been an occurrence of sexual abuse experienced by one or more members. Families are offered weekly sessions at our Canterbury centre. this service is also available for carers and couples.