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SafeLives isn't a domestic abuse service. But if you're experiencing domestic abuse or you're worried about a friend or family member, help is available.
The Power of an Idva
As part of our 16 Days 2024 campaign, SafeLives staff member and survivor of domestic abuse, Brandy, shares why the role of the Idva holds so much power.
Domestic abuse is a crime of betrayal. The very people who are meant to love and support us instead erode the trust we place in them, violating boundaries and attacking our sense of self. It is a calculated effort to control and belittle, often exploiting vulnerabilities we all share. Abusers draw on societal inequalities like racism, ableism, and other forms of marginalisation to justify and reinforce their actions.
By design, the role of an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (Idva) stands as a direct affront to this harm. Rooted in trauma-informed practice, every interaction an Idva has with a survivor is focused on safety and trust.
Survivors are empowered to reclaim the choice, control, and agency that has been stripped away by abuse.
Idvas work side by side with survivors of domestic abuse to rebuild the self-esteem that was systematically chipped away – guiding them out of isolation and empowering survivors to reclaim what has been taken from them.
Idvas are more than advocates—they are bridges to safety, champions of identity, and allies in the journey to healing. They work in culturally responsive ways, celebrating each survivor’s unique identity while ensuring their voices are heard. Through their work, Idvas not only identify risks and respond to needs but also restore dignity and ensure the rights of the survivor are never overlooked.
The power of an Idva lies not just in what they do, but in how they do it—with compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the people they support.
Domestic abuse response in the UK
Since we were founded more than two decades ago, we have helped transform the response to domestic abuse across the UK. Find out more about our risk-led approach, Idvas, Maracs and the work still to be done.
Getting into the domestic abuse sector
Our training courses are aimed at those who are currently working in the sector; however, we have listed some practical steps you could take which might help you when applying for jobs in the sector.