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OF THE CASES WHERE WE SUPPORTED THE VICTIM THROUGH COURT RESULTED IN A CONVICTION

Dedicated support for victims with learning disabilities

We have a dedicated worker to support victims with learning disabilities. We know people with Learning Disabilities have a higher propensity for being a victim of rape or sexual abuse than others in the wider community, yet the barriors they can face when trying to seek help means they often remain hidden and unsupported. Communication difficulties can impact on whether they are understood or believed and they can sometimes be seen as unreliable witnesses so their case will rarely progress to court.

Our Learning Disabilities ISVA will offer specialist support to enable victims

  • Tell their story in the way best for them
  • Have help with benefits
  • Have help with housing
  • Have help with reporting to the police if they wish
  • Learn about healthy relationships and when to say yes
  • Have help to start putting their life back
  • To access other specialist help

We also have established a reciprocal referral pathway with specialist LD providers that enable the worker to access specialist support for victims and work in a collaborative and holistic way and LD providers can refer and access the ISVA service.

Click here to read the Evaluation of Learning Disabilities Sexual Abuse Support Services.

We can help you – download our leaflet here
Click here to read our step by step guide to reporting rape or sexual abuse to the police

Quotes from police

"I cannot speak highly enough of ALL the ISVA’s"
"Every ISVA is passionate and motivated and are highly professional."
"In short a pleasure to work with and we look forward to working many more years together"
"The ISVAS are so valuable and assist in so many ways"
"9 times out of 10 when a victim is worried about a police investigation they say that they feel stronger knowing that they have someone independent to explain things."
"I feel a lot of victims would not stay on board if the ISVAS were not about and often victims are still scared to speak to police officers ."

SAFE Link service users feedback

"this is just what I have been looking for"
"it’s such a relief to know I am not the only one feeling this way"
"being part of the group helps my confidence, helps me to look on the positive side and have understanding support"