Being able to talk and not being judged has helped so much. No problem was too little. I’m now feeling positive about my future.
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Independent Domestic Violence Advisor
Our Independent Domestic Violence Advisor’s (IDVAs) provide frontline services to victims of Domestic Abuse, supporting those at highest risk and advocating on their behalf. We currently have four IDVAs on our specialist team, who work both at the Outreach Support Centre and in the community.
The aim of an IDVA is to keep the victim and any immediate family safe, and reduce the risk of further abuse by providing short to medium term crisis intervention.
How we support high risk victims
IDVA’s work within a multi-agency framework consisting of the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) and local partnership responses to Domestic Abuse. If you have been identified as a high risk victim of Domestic Abuse through the MARAC process, an IDVA will contact you within 48 hours.
Long term support
Although our IDVAs work with clients for up to 12 weeks, if clients still feel they need support they will be referred to another service which meets their needs. This happens only when the risk to the victim is reduced.
Additional Fortalice support services include telephone or one to one advice, counselling, The Freedom Programme, Recovery Toolkit and Next Steps.
By supporting the empowerment of the client and assisting them in recognising the warning signs of Domestic Abuse, we aim to help them regain control of their lives for positive long term outcomes.
How can I access the IDVA service?
Any victim of Domestic Abuse who is at serious risk of harm can be referred in to the IDVA service from any agency once an assessment has been completed and submitted via the MARAC process.
For more information please ring 01204 365677 or email IDVA@fortalice.co.uk
Contact us to find out more about our IDVA Service
What people had to say about our Adult Services…
Excellent service and an amazing counsellor. Have not felt this good in a very long time.
I feel the service really helped me to understand and start to address my issues. I would definitely recommend this service to others.
Kind, friendly, non-judgemental. I feel able to come of pause and with the strategies I have learned, feel able to cope going forward.
Excellent help from my counsellor. I was able to honestly discuss my issues and move forward. Great help when re-arranging appointments. Fantastic service!
The Freedom Programme gave me understanding that I’m not alone, recognising different types of abuse, meeting other victims, educating myself to be in a healthy relationship, getting the support
The Freedom Programme has opened my eyes to the true meaning of Domestic Abuse, making me believe in myself again
My counsellor was kind, friendly and non-judgemental. I feel able to step back, pause and with the strategies I have learned, I feel able to cope going forward