Useful links/Contacts
Welcome to Women's Support
Network & Jigsaw
Why
go to an Advisory Service?
When a person has experienced Rape or Sexual Abuse
they may come into contact with a number of agencies including the Police,
the Crown Prosecution Service, or the Witness Care Unit. They may also
have issues around housing or benefits or debt. Whatever the issue,
the Advisor is there to represent you and ensure that your rights are
met and that you receive practical and emotional support.
What is an Independent
Sexual Violence Advisor or ISVA?
It is having someone who is independent to represent you and enable
you to represent yourself.
That means that you will have someone who has no agenda
other than to see that your rights are met and you have all the relevant
information about your individual case.
If you have reported to the Police, then the Advisor
will work closely with them to make sure that your voice and your opinion
about the investigation is heard.
The advisor will give you emotional support as well
as practical help; she will support you through the court process, so
that you feel included and kept informed about everything.
The Advisor will:
- Arrange for pre trial visits to the Court and accompany you there
- Keep you updated on the progress of the case
- Accompany and support you at Court
- Work on your behalf ensuring your rights are met
- Continue to offer support at the Court Case should you require this.
Why go to an Advisory Service?
You can make an appointment to see an Advisor by ringing our contact numbers.
Our advisory service covers the Middlesbrough, Stockton
and Hartlepool areas.
This is a free and confidential service available to those over the age
of 14 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their life.
What happens at my
first appointment?
The Advisor will arrange to see you either at your home
or another suitable venue, wherever you feel safe and comfortable to talk.
The Advisor is not a counsellor, but is there to offer you practical and
emotional support, you don't have to go into the details of what has happed
to you.
The Advisor will explain our confidentiality policy with you and go through
any questions you may have. She will take some details from you and arrange
to contact anyone you may have questions for. She will gather all the
information you asked for and help you with any enquiries to agencies.
Hopefully we have answered some of your questions about our Independent
Sexual Violence Advisory Service, but if there is anything you would like
to ask us please feel free to telephone us and ask to speak to an Advisor.