Staying Put IDVAs provide short term emotional and practical support to anyone subjected to domestic abuse. An IDVA would work with you to assess and manage the risk you are in, and develop an action plan with you on short, medium- and long-term goals.

What is an IDVA?

An IDVA is an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate. IDVAs support people subjected to domestic abuse.

“We aim to address the safety of victims at high risk from partners, ex partners or family members.” Says Isma, an IDVA at Staying Put. ‘We support and inform clients of their rights and give them the freedom to make choices in the best interest of themselves and their children. We support clients in crises as well as longer term support with civil orders, long term safety, housing, benefits etc.”

Where do IDVA’s support people?

IDVA’s will support you anywhere that is deemed safe for both you and the IDVA. This could be at your home if it is safe to do so, or in a coffee shop. Some IDVA’s are based at GP Practices, you can read more about that here.

IDVA’s provide support face to face or on the telephone.

How do IDVA’s support people?

IDVA’s provide person centred support. This means that they put you and your needs and wants at the heart of the support they provide. They sit down with you and discuss your options and rights.

“When a case is allocated, we read over the notes to get a better understanding of the case and familiarise ourselves with what kind of support the client will need.” Explains Isma.

The IDVA will then come up with a support plan based on this information, but will then call you to discuss this. If you do not think this support is quite right for you, you can say so and the IDVA will work with you to understand what is right. They’ll also complete a risk assessment. They will discuss support and safety and create a safety plan and more detailed support plan with actions for both you and the IDVA.

If the person subjected to domestic abuse is deemed as high risk, IDVA’s will create an immediate risk assessment, conduct safety planning, provide advocacy, emotional support, and empowerment to allow them to regain control of their life again.

Another way IDVA’s will support you is to work with relevant partner agencies.
Working with partner agencies ensures that you get the best support and means that you’re not having to tell your story over and over again.

What’s an average day like?

“An average day for an IDVA includes contacting any ongoing clients, following up with support plans and any actions that need completing.” Says Isma.

An IDVA will also carry out risk assessments with new referrals. They will address immediate safety concerns and try to respond to crises as quickly as they can when needed. They will also attend face to face appointments if arranged and attend multi agency meetings with other professionals to discuss client’s support needs and advocate on their behalf.

Further information

If you need support or further information on how we can help, please call 0808 2800 999.

We help everyone who needs it, so please feel reassured that you can call us and you will be supported.

Our helpline is open from Monday to Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm. We close for half an hour at 1pm every day for lunch.