One to one support from an IDVA/Domestic Abuse Support Worker: 

An IDVA is an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor. They are specially trained workers who provide one to one support to survivors of domestic abuse. They usually work with those who are most at risk of very serious harm and at the point of crisis. 

Like IDVAs, our experienced domestic abuse support workers also offer one to one support to those experiencing domestic abuse at other levels of risk.

The team includes female and male support workers and staff who speak a range of community languages. 

We often get involved at the point of crisis and your worker can help you with everything you need to feel safer and to move forward including: 

• Safety planning and exploring your options
• Providing information on a range of things such as housing, immigration, health & wellbeing, honour-based violence and forced marriage.
• Provide emotional support and refer you for counselling or onto appropriate mental health services
• Support you to access to refuge/emergency accommodation
• Support you to access improved security in your property so you can continue to live safely at home
• Provide support and advice around both civil and criminal justice proceedings
• Liaise with professionals on your behalf such as police, social workers, health visitors etc.

YPVA

We also have a specialist Young Person’s Violence Adviser who works like the IDVA but supports young people age between 16-21yrs who are experiencing domestic abuse.  

Group work

We offer specialist group work support to help you understand and manage the impact domestic abuse has had on you and your children.

Court Support

Your worker can support you around both criminal and civil justice proceedings including:

• Accompanying you to court and also arrange pre-trial visits
• Support you if you have to give evidence and also help with writing victim impact statements
• Request special measures such as a video link or screen in criminal court so you don’t have to face your abuser
• Support to access legal advice and to apply for civil orders of protection

Drop-in Sessions

We run discreet drop-in sessions in Halifax and Todmorden, available to anyone living in Calderdale where you can speak to a support worker confidentially about your situation and explore your options. You do not need an appointment and can just call in.

For more information about when the drop-ins are held please call the team on 01422 323339