``If it wasn't for my ISVA, I don't think I would still be here.``

ISVAs can support you with making a decision on whether or not to report what has happened to the police. They have expert knowledge of criminal justice processes, and can help you understand your entitlements under the Victims Code of Practice, and what to expect. They can help you with next steps, no matter which option you choose, and can work with you to develop a support plan to meet your needs.

If you want to know more about the role of an ISVA you can read Home Office Guide, Essential Elements of the ISVA Role.  The guidance sets out the ISVA core principles which include tailoring the support to the needs of each individual victim and survivor; providing accurate and impartial information to victims and survivors of sexual violence;  providing emotional and practical support to meet the needs of the victim or survivor.

If you choose to report, ISVAs will provide support before, during and after any potential court case. They are independent of any other organisation or agency, including the police.

If you have accessed our SARC (above), you will be offered optional ISVA support.

If you are accessing our counselling and wellbeing services, and are thinking of reporting to the police, we will arrange for an ISVA to give you a call.

You can also self-refer to our ISVA services by calling us on 01685 379 310.

You don’t have to report what happened to the Police to access full support from our ISVA service. However, if you choose to report, our ISVAs can support you to navigate your way through the criminal justice process with their expert knowledge of the criminal justice system. They will contact others on your behalf and keep you regularly updated on any developments, including speaking to the police, the Crown Prosecution Service, health professionals, housing associations, and employers etc.

Our ISVAs can help you with any of the following:

• Support with potential court cases
• Supporting you at appointments
• Talking to you about your emotional wellbeing, positive coping strategies and allowing you a safe and confidential space where you can talk

If there is a court case, your ISVA will arrange a pre-court visit so that you are able to have a look at the court room and get an understanding of what will happen. There are also special measures and supports that an ISVA can talk you through, such as being able to give evidence via a remote court link so you do not need to go to court.

Your ISVA will encourage you to identify any ongoing needs and to develop a support plan which helps to meet these needs.

ISVA support is provided face-to-face, by telephone, or online. ISVAs are flexible and the support may change throughout your time, depending on your needs.

Copies of our ISVA policies and procedures are available by request through enquiries@newpathways.org.uk.

 

Our Duty to Keep Children Safe

If a child is suffering, has suffered or is likely to be at risk of harm, it is our responsibility to ensure that our concerns are referred to social services or the police. Whenever possible we would discuss this with you and listen to any concerns you may have, which we will take seriously. 

Our ISVAs are not counsellors. However, they are highly skilled specialist support workers.

All our ISVAs complete nationally accredited specialist training. Our adult, child and young people’s ISVA services are accredited through LimeCulture. 

If you are involved in a court case, there is the option of a short period of pre-trial therapy.

In our team, we have ISVAs that support diverse communities, such as older persons, children and young people, men, the LGBTQ+ community, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with learning disabilities, people with complex mental health needs, and people who have been trafficked or are in a domestic abuse situations.

An ISVA will provide support until there are no further ISVA support needs. They will work with you to achieve a successful exit from the service, and this includes onward referrals. You will also be offered the opportunity to access our counselling and wellbeing services. This is optional and we can help you to find the best support for you. If you are interested in finding out more about our counselling and wellbeing service, please visit here.

Clients can re-engage with the ISVA service, especially when there may be updates following a conviction and prison sentence, e.g. around parole.

 

Our SARCs are here to offer you immediate help and support, any time you need us (24/7). Once we’ve received a call from you or from the police, one of our support workers (called a crisis worker) will meet you at the SARC within one hour. You can bring a friend or family member with you for support.

When you arrive, our crisis worker will meet you, talk you through your options and support you through the process. We do this at your pace. The choices are always yours, and New Pathways will support you with whichever options you choose. Our SARC has a friends and family room and drink facilities, so if you bring someone with you, they can wait comfortably.

We will listen and we will believe you. Our crisis workers will make sure you have the right information and support, whether you choose to have police involvement or not. At our SARCs, we can work with the police on your behalf and support you to speak with them. We can also support you through a forensic medical examination with a trained doctor at our premises.

We can also offer first aid and advice; medical aftercare and referrals for treatment of sexually transmitted disease (STIs); sexual health guidance; and specialist support in the days, weeks and months after, including wellbeing support, counselling and ISVA support.

As an adult, you do not have to speak to the police to access our SARCs. One of our crisis workers or ISVAs can talk through your options if you refer to us.

You may decide that you want counselling and support without reporting to the police. One of the team till give you the information you need to be make an informed decision on which option is right for you.

If you wish to make a police report you can download helpful information here.

Our Duty to Keep Children Safe

If a child is suffering, has suffered or is likely to be at risk of harm, it is our responsibility to ensure that our concerns are referred to social services or the police.

We will always discuss this with you and listen to any concerns you may have which we will take seriously. 

Yes, anyone can access SARC services. They are open to everyone, of all ages, genders, social backgrounds, ethnic backgrounds, religions and beliefs, disabilities and sexual orientations.

In Wales there is now a specific paediatric pathway, so all children under the age of 13 may be directed to a specific SARC to have the specialist medical support that they need.

Some people are not aware that sexual violence services can support men or non-binary people, but our SARCs are for everyone.

If you are a male or non-binary victim of rape or sexual assault you can access exactly the same level of service and support from New Pathways and we would encourage you to speak to us. Our staff are highly sensitive to the needs of all of our clients, and we have ISVAs who are trained to work with specifically with different communities. We have ISVAs who are specialists in working with males, LGBTQ+ people, people from black or other ethnic minority communities, traveller communities, older persons, children and young people, people with complex mental health issues, people with disabilities or learning differences, and those who have been affected by domestic abuse or human trafficking.

SARCs are available 24/7.

If you decide to go to the police, they will contact us to organise for you to come to our SARC. However, if you do not want to go to the police, you can refer yourself to our SARCs.

During office hours, 9am-5pm Monday-Thursday, and 9am-4.30pm Fridays, you can call us on 01685 379 310, or call one of our local offices. Outside of these hours, you can call our out of hours support on 07423 437 020.

There are SARCs in all regions of Wales.

If you are unsure about anything related to accessing a SARC, you can speak to one of our ISVAs. Please  see information above for the ISVA service.

If it is appropriate, you may be offered a forensic medical examination. This is carried out by a qualified and experienced doctor known as a forensic medical examiner or FME. This may take place on our premises or you may be offered an examination at a different SARC but then referred back to us so you can access ongoing support locally.

An examination is to gather any forensic evidence that may be available. This may include making a record of injuries and collecting any DNA evidence.

A crisis worker will explain the process and show you the examination room beforehand if you wish, and will be with you to support you through the process. You can choose to stop or take a break at any time. We understand that this is an intimate process, and the crisis worker and the FME will do everything possible to make you feel comfortable and answer any questions you may have. You can also choose to have a family member or friend accompany you instead of the crisis worker.

Following the exam, you will be able to have a shower in a private bathroom, you will be given your own personal toiletries kit, and clothing. We have sizes to cater for everyone.

If you choose to make a report to the police, this can take place at the SARC without the need to go to a police station. We have a comfortable interview room with discreet recording facilities.

The interview can take place straight away, or the following day. During the interview, you may request for the crisis worker to be present. They will not be able to speak for you during the interview, but you may find it more comfortable to have them there as a support.

Most police forces now have a dedicated team of officers who investigate sexual offences and they are approachable, very experienced in this field and sensitive to your needs.