We would like to inform you that the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Service for Devon and Cornwall has been recommissioned. Effective from 1st October 2024, the service will be provided by a different organisation.
“The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has made the decision that from the 1st October 2024 the Devon and Cornwall ISVA service which you are currently working with will be provided by a different organisation.
The new ISVA service will be delivered by the Women’s Centre Cornwall together with six partner organisations: Children’s Society, Devon Rape Crisis, Intercom, Konnect Communities, Olive Project and West Cornwall Women’s Aid who collectively support women, girls, men and boys across Devon and Cornwall.
They have publicly said they would like to reassure anyone who is currently working with an ISVA or may be in the future that there has been no cut in funding and there will be no reduction in the number of ISVA roles across Devon and Cornwall. They have said that all the organisations involved will be working to ensure the transition between services is handled sensitively with minimal disruption for anyone working with an ISVA. They have also stated that they are looking forward to working with the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office to ensure that survivors of sexual violence of all ages and genders receive excellent support and people of all ages and genders will receive uninterrupted and appropriate support throughout the transition period and beyond.
We appreciate the concern that this may raise for you at this time but unfortunately this is all we know at present. We are currently waiting on further information to share with you as a user of the ISVA service and will be back in touch with further updates as and when we have them in advance of the service moving on the 1st October 2024.”
As we prepare for this transition, we want to express our gratitude for the trust you’ve placed in us. We assure you that we will continue to provide support to everyone accessing our services until the transition date. Rest assured, we will take all necessary steps to ensure that the support you rely on remains consistent during the service transfer.
First Light will continue to offer a range of services across the South West to support anyone who has experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence.
Devon, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly
Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) Service: Providing help and support during the police investigation and court process. ***First Light will continue to operate this service until 30th September 2024.
Plymouth Sexual Violence Counselling: Short-term therapy and counselling for those affected by sexual violence.
Safer Futures – Domestic Abuse Service: Advice and support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or needing guidance to help someone.
Swindon & Wiltshire:
Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) Service: Providing help and support during the police investigation and court process.
Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC): Immediate help for recent or non-recent rape or sexual assault victims. Confidential support available with or without police involvement.
National Services – England and Wales:
Safe Spaces – Church Related Abuse Service: A confidential and independent support service for anyone who has experienced abuse in relation to the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales, or the Church in Wales.
