The Gloucestershire Independent Sexual Violence Advisory (ISVA) Service is delivered in partnership by First Light and Barnardo’s.
Together, we provide specialist support for anyone impacted by sexual abuse, or sexual violence.
We will listen. We will believe you. And we will support you in a way that feels right for you.
If you have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual violence, recently or in the past, our Gloucestershire Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) Service is here to support you.
This confidential and independent service is open to adults, children and young people of all genders and backgrounds across Gloucestershire.
We understand that taking the first step can be difficult. Whether you’ve already reported the incident to the police, are thinking about it, or don’t want to involve them at all – we are here for you.
You can access Gloucestershire Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Services by completing our referral form using the buttons below.
Once submitted, a member of our team will contact you.
Alternatively, you can call us directly on
An Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) provides one-to-one emotional and practical support for people who have experienced:
Your ISVA will work with you to create a support plan based on your needs. They can also liaise with other agencies (like the police or courts) on your behalf. You remain in control at every stage.
You do not have to report to the police to receive support. If you’re unsure, we can talk through your options with care and confidentiality.
Trauma Stabilisation Programme
You can also access optional telephone sessions with our Support Coordinators to help manage the impact of trauma. This includes self-care advice, grounding techniques and emotional support.
Options Meetings
Not ready to report to the police? That’s okay. We offer a confidential meeting where we’ll talk through your choices, including anonymous reporting and available support services.
Duty Calls
You can also speak with a Duty ISVA for ad-hoc advice and support – including help preparing for a police interview if you’ve not yet been assigned an ISVA.
Referral and First Contact
Once we receive your referral, our team will contact you within 48 hours (excluding weekends and bank holidays). We’ll explain the service and confirm your details.
Support Coordinators
You’ll be offered regular check-ins every 6–8 weeks (or less often if preferred). These take place via text, email, telephone or WhatsApp – whatever works best for you.
Dedicated ISVA Support
You will be assigned a dedicated ISVA when one becomes available in your area. They can meet face-to-face if preferred, provide support throughout the criminal justice process and accompany you to court if needed.
“Without my ISVA, I honestly don’t know how I would have made it through the past few years. Her knowledge and kindness reassured me throughout the process and helped ease so much of my anxiety. I never felt judged, only understood.”
– Survivor
We support anyone who has experienced:
Contact Sexual Abuse or Rape:
Non-Contact Sexual Abuse:
If you’re not sure whether what happened to you is abuse – that’s okay.
You can still contact us. We’ll listen and help you make sense of it.
You do not have to go through this alone.
We’re here for you – whenever you’re ready.
Specialist support for adults affected by sexual violence The Adult ISVA service at First Light provides trauma-informed, independent support to
Specialist support for children and young people affected by sexual violence The CYP ISVA or CHISVA service at First Light
We provide specialist support for anyone impacted by sexual abuse, or sexual violence. We will listen. We will believe you.
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Last Updated: February 27, 2026
Is support available for parents or carers of young survivors?
Yes. We can offer guidance and support for parents or carers of children and young people who have experienced sexual abuse or exploitation.
Can men and boys access the ISVA service?
Yes. The service is open to people of all genders. Men, boys and non-binary people who have experienced sexual abuse or violence will be listened to and supported.
Is support available for online sexual abuse or harassment?
Yes. We support survivors of non-contact sexual abuse, including:
Will I have to go to court?
Not necessarily. If you choose to report to the police and the case goes to trial, your ISVA can support you at court. If you decide not to report, you can still access support and other services.
Can I speak to someone before deciding if I want full support?
Yes. You can speak to a Duty ISVA to ask questions and talk through your situation before committing to ongoing support. This includes help understanding your rights and the criminal justice process.
What is the Trauma Stabilisation Programme?
The Trauma Stabilisation Programme offers short-term emotional support to help you manage trauma symptoms. It includes grounding techniques, coping strategies and information on further support.
How quickly will someone contact me after a referral?
You will be contacted within 48 hours of your referral being received (excluding weekends and bank holidays). A team member will explain the service and confirm your details.
Can I refer myself to the service?
Yes. You can refer yourself or someone else to our ISVA service. You don’t need a referral from a GP or the police.
Is the ISVA service confidential?
Yes. Everything you share is treated with sensitivity and confidentiality. We only share information if you give consent, unless there’s a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, in which case we have a duty of care.
Can I get support if the abuse happened years ago?
Yes. We support people who have experienced historic sexual abuse, even if it happened many years ago or during childhood. It’s never too late to seek support.
What is considered sexual abuse or sexual violence?
Sexual abuse and sexual violence can include:
If you’re unsure whether what happened to you counts as abuse, you can still reach out – we will listen and support you.
What kind of support does an ISVA offer?
Your ISVA can:
Do I need to report to the police to get support?
No. You do not have to report anything to the police to access support from an ISVA. We can help you explore your options and support you even if you decide not to report.
Who can access the ISVA service?
The ISVA service is available to children, young people and adults of all genders, backgrounds and identities who have been affected by sexual abuse or sexual violence, either recently or in the past.
What is a Children and Young People Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (CHISVA or CYP ISVA)?
A Children and Young People’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (CHISVA or CYP ISVA) provides specialist, confidential, practical, and emotional support to children and young people who have experienced sexual abuse, rape, or sexual violence. CHISVAs or CYP ISVAs are independent of the police and can offer support not only to the child or young person but also to their parent or carer.
What is an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA)?
An Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) provides confidential, practical and emotional support to anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual violence. They are independent from the police and can support you whether or not you choose to report the incident.
