In a bid to strengthen support for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, the UK Government published new guidance designed to improve the consistency and quality of services provided by key frontline professionals on Friday.
The updated guidelines focus on the roles of Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs) and Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs), setting out best practices for how these critical support workers can assist victims, both emotionally and practically, through some of the most difficult periods of their lives.
The guidance outlines how IDVAs and ISVAs can help survivors navigate the criminal justice system, connect them with vital community-based services, and tailor support to vulnerable groups such as children using age-appropriate resources.
This step, according to officials, is part of a broader government strategy to halve violence against women and girls within the next decade, as outlined in its “Plan for Change.”
Next year will also see the publication of the UK’s first-ever guidance for Independent Stalking Advocates. This guidance is being developed in partnership with the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, a leading organisation in tackling stalking and harassment.
Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex Davies-Jones, welcomed the publication, saying: “Independent Domestic Violence Advisers and Independent Sexual Violence Advisers are vital in supporting victims of domestic and sexual abuse – from helping to navigate the court process to advising on services they can access in their community.
Today’s guidance will help to improve the consistency of that support. This marks another step forward in halving violence against women and girls as part of our Plan for Change.”
The guidance was created in collaboration with the victim support sector through a targeted consultation earlier this year. The aim is to ensure it reflects real-world best practices and helps professional services work more effectively together in supporting victims of abuse.
As mandated by the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, public bodies and criminal justice organisations must now consider the guidance as part of their duty to deliver better outcomes for victims.
This includes helping victims access refuge accommodation, receive one-to-one emotional support, or understand their rights and options in court proceedings.
With these measures, the government reaffirms its commitment to providing safer streets and more robust protections for victims of abuse, ensuring that no survivor feels alone or unsupported in their journey to recovery.
