Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA)

IDVA stands for Independent Domestic Violence Advocates. They are experts in domestic abuse, prioritising your safety in every aspect of their work through practical and emotional support.

Yes, all of Rising Sun’s services are provided to victim-survivors free of charge.

Rising Sun is a registered charity, working to provide lifesaving support to adults and children experiencing and surviving domestic abuse. We are incredibly grateful to our funders and supporters who enable us to provide our specialist services for free. 

If you’re able to help us to continue being here for more victim-survivors in the future, please consider donating today.

IDVA’s support adults experiencing domestic abuse who are considered to be at high risk of harm, whereas Outreach Workers  support survivors considered to be at medium risk of harm. IDVA’s will support you to reach a secure level of safety from crisis point. Outreach Workers will empower you through your journey to become free from domestic abuse or safer within an existing relationship. 

When you are referred to Rising Sun by a professional, they will complete a DASH assessment with you. A DASH assessment will identify and assess risk following disclosures of domestic abuse, stalking or honour-based violence. If you self-refer into Rising Sun, a member of the team will call you to complete a DASH with you.

If you score above 14 on a DASH assessment, you will be considered high risk.

The DASH risk checklist is used to identify and assess risks when a potential victim discloses domestic abuse, ‘honour’-based violence or stalking. The questions in the DASH are based on extensive research about domestic abuse.

A DASH aims to enable frontline professionals to identify the level of risk that you are experiencing, and decide what support may be required, including a referral to MARAC. 

A completed DASH becomes part of your active record, and provides a shared understanding of risk. The checklist ensures that assessments made about high risk cases are defensible and based on evidence.

A MARAC is a multi-agency risk assessment conference. It’s made up of local agencies including Social Care, Health agencies, Housing, Probation, Rising Sun and other necessary agencies. It is chaired by the police. 

The main aim of MARAC is to reduce the risk of serious harm or homicide for a victim and to increase the safety, health and wellbeing of victims – adults and any children. In a MARAC, local agencies will meet to discuss the highest risk victims in the area and safety plan around them. The safety of children should be addressed via your existing Child Protection procedures, although it will be reinforced by the information gained at MARAC. Information about the risks faced by victims, the actions needed to ensure safety, and the resources available locally will be shared and used to create a risk management plan involving all agencies. 

Everybody who is referred to MARAC is automatically referred to the IDVA service for support. Your case will go to MARAC if you score 14 and above on your DASH. You are not required to attend MARAC, your IDVA will present your views, ensure your voice is heard and keep your safety at the centre of discussions at all times. The IDVA is there for you.

The length of support by an IDVA is different for everyone, they will be by your side as you move towards rebuilding your life. Once you’re in a place of safety, your IDVA support will come to an end. If you continue to need support, your IDVA may refer you into our Outreach Service, to a Group Programme, our Support Cafe, or to Victim Support.

Rising Sun IDVA’s are professionally trained to provide a specialist service to adults experiencing domestic abuse. Although they have an understanding of the legal system surrounding domestic abuse, they are not legally trained and therefore cannot offer legal advice. 

If you require legal advice, you can attend a Rising Sun One Stop Shop where a local solicitor will be available in person, or over the phone, to give you legal advice.

We understand that the court system can be incredibly overwhelming. Your Rising Sun IDVA can support you through your court proceedings, helping to explain the procedures, legal jargon and keeping you up to date. Unfortunately though, our team isn’t able to attend court with you.

If suitable however, your IDVA can refer you to SATEDA, a domestic abuse charity in Swale, who have a Support 2 Court team to come with you to hearings as McKenzie Friends (court guides/mentors) in Canterbury, Dartford, Maidstone and Medway Courts.