Page updated: 13 Sep 2011
Independent domestic violence advisor (IDVA)
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The main purpose of independent domestic violence advisors (IDVAs) is to address the safety of victims at high risk of harm from intimate partners, ex-partners or family members to secure their safety and the safety of their children. Serving as a victim’s primary point of contact, IDVAs normally work with their clients from the point of crisis to assess the level of risk, discuss the range of suitable options and develop safety plans.
The IDVA’s job is to be a bridge between victims and the MARAC meeting. The IDVA will try and meet a client beforehand, or at least talk to her/him on the phone, and explain how the meeting works, what it can do for them, and what options are available.
The IDVA will also ask if there is anything the victim would like brought up at the meeting on her/his behalf. The first thing an IDVA will address with a client is immediate safety planning. She will also be able to advise on legal aid, injunctions, child access issues, housing, debt counselling and other financial issues and any other problems which are of concern to the client. When she cannot provide direct help herself, she will signpost to other agencies. She can also advocate for the woman with other agencies by contacting them on the woman’s behalf, explaining the situation and asking them for support.
After the MARAC, the IDVA will again contact the victim to inform her of any actions agreed at the meeting, and what, if any, further safety measures are to be put into place. As a rule, clients are discharged after the meeting but agencies will continue to support them when appropriate. An IDVA can write letters of support, for example if the client is applying for an injunction, or emergency housing. They receive specialist accredited training and hold a nationally recognised qualification.
Many women have mythical fears about the MARAC process and these are usually are a result of the intimidation tactics used by the perpetrator, for example: “social services will take away your children if you report incidences to the police or other agencies” or “your benefits will be cut if you speak to the authorities”. This is a control tactic and has no bearing in reality.
The facts speak for themselves; many people across many agencies wish for you to live in peace and safety and have the necessary experience to help you. Studies have shown that when high risk clients engage with an IDVA, there are clear and measurable improvements in safety, including a reduction in the escalation and severity of abuse and a reduction or even cessation in repeat incidents of abuse.
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