What is an Advocate or IDVA?
Domestic violence advocates (also known as Independent Domestic Violence Advisors or IDVAs) are trained specialists whose goal is the safety of survivors. They particularly focus on providing a premium service to survivors at medium to high risk of harm. Advocates focus on risk and risk management. They work directly with survivors to provide advice and support to help them make safety plans and understand the options they have. They also assist in accessing the full range of legal and non-legal services and resources and engage proactively in multi-agency work to keep survivors and their children safe. They are active participants in MARACs. Most of their referrals are from statutory agencies – few are self-referrals.
Domestic violence advocacy is founded on an understanding that a co-ordinated multi-agency response to those at high risk is the best way to deliver safety, reduce repeat victimisation and increase awareness of children at risk of harm. |
