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Cornwall & The Isles of Scilly Family Court Independent Domestic Violence Advisory (IDVA) Service

Specialist domestic abuse support for victims and survivors involved in family court proceedings.

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The Family Court Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) service provides specialist emotional and practical support to victims and survivors of domestic abuse who are involved in family court proceedings across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

The service helps individuals to feel safer, better informed, and more able to navigate the court process, ensuring that the impact of domestic abuse is recognised and considered throughout proceedings.

Support is tailored to individual needs and delivered alongside other professionals to promote safe engagement with the court process and improved outcomes for adults and children.

This is a professional referral service only.

  • Referrals are accepted from Professional Services.
  • We cannot accept self-refer directly.
  • Individuals seeking support should speak to their allocated support worker, who can explore referral options where appropriate.
Make a Professional Referral

What We Provide

The Family Court IDVA offers targeted, court-focused support, including:

  • Emotional and practical support throughout family court proceedings
  • Risk assessment and safety planning, adapted as cases progress
  • Support to apply for civil protection orders, including:
    • Non-Molestation Orders
    • Occupation Orders
  • Support with child arrangements proceedings
  • Guidance through separation, divorce, and financial hearings
  • Support in public law cases involving local authorities
  • Court attendance support, where appropriate
  • Onward referrals and signposting to additional services

Learn More About

Role of the Family Court IDVA

The Family Court IDVA is there to support the victim or survivor, not to influence or direct court proceedings.

The service:

  • Provides emotional and practical support to help individuals navigate the court process
  • Helps ensure the impact of domestic abuse is clearly understood by those involved in the case
  • Supports individuals to feel safe, informed, and prepared

The Family Court IDVA does not:

  • Make decisions about court outcomes
  • Influence judicial decision-making
  • Act on behalf of the court
  • Replace the role of legal professionals
  • Provide legal advice or legal representation

Their role is to stand alongside the individual, helping them to engage safely and confidently with the process.

 

Working Alongside Legal Professionals

Where a victim or survivor has legal representation, the Family Court IDVA will:

  • Work alongside solicitors and barristers
  • Help ensure the impact of domestic abuse is understood within proceedings
  • Support individuals so they can engage effectively with their legal representatives

Where individuals do not have legal representation, the IDVA can:

  • Support access to legal aid, where eligible
  • Help individuals feel informed and supported throughout proceedings

Please note: IDVAs are not able to provide legal advice.

Supporting Victims and Survivors

Family court proceedings can be complex and overwhelming, particularly where domestic abuse is a factor.

The Family Court IDVA helps individuals to:

  • Understand the court process and what to expect
  • Feel supported before, during, and after hearings
  • Have their safety needs identified and addressed
  • Access special measures, such as separate waiting areas or remote participation where appropriate

The service ensures that the lived experience and impact of domestic abuse is understood and communicated appropriately within the wider process.

Learn More About Our Domestic Abuse Services across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

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