This month (April) marks 10 years since the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) first started supporting Isle of Wight residents.
The ISVA, delivered by domestic abuse charity Hampton Trust, offers support to sexual violence and abuse survivors at a time when they are ready to come forward about their trauma, which could have happened recently or years ago.
A survivor, from the Island who sought the support of ISVA, said:
“It was so hard to reach out, but you made me feel like I wasn’t alone. I was hurting, confused and lost but you were there for me, there was no judgement, no shame. I felt I was in a safe place. You helped me realise I’m not to blame.”
The service says support is needed now more than ever due to record low conviction rates for rape of 1.5%.
ISVA says survivors are left feeling retraumatised and let down by the criminal justice system.
It works with police and agencies to help survivors through a confusing and traumatic process.
Deborah, from the ISVA, said:
“I have had people tell me they would’ve given up without our support. What we do is empower people to come forward and to be believed, to know they are not alone and we are here to help them get through the day to day and enjoy their everyday life”
The team on the Isle of Wight often see historic abuse cases where victims feel that the time is right for them to come forward years later. The service has recently expanded to now offer support to young people aged 11, upwards.
This includes providing support to families of young people affected.
Survivors can call 07930 932249 or 07376 083950 during working hours to contact ISVA on the Isle of Wight.
They can also use the referral form. All referrals need to be sent via secure email to: isva.isva@hamptontrust.cjsm.net.
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