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Domestic Abuse Community Support

SWA (Sandwell Women’s Aid) offer the nationally recognised Independent Domestic Violence (IDVA) Service.

IDVAs are trained specialists who provide a service to victims of domestic abuse who are at risk of harm from intimate partners, ex-partners or family members, with the aim of securing their safety and the safety of their children. You can access an IDVA’s support by contacting us directly, or through referral by other agency professionals such as health workers or the police.

The support that an IDVA can provide includes:
•Listening to you and being there for you
•Advice and support planning tailored to your needs
•Risk assessments and safety planning including practical steps for protection to keep you and your children safe
•Support and advice through the Criminal Justice system
•Information about Non Molestation Orders
•Signposting and assisting access to other agencies who can help e.g. Refuge, housing, immigration, counselling and legal services
•Maximising your safety by working closely with other agencies to reduce the risk of harm that you face, representing you at Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC)
•Referral for one-to-one counselling
•Group work and activities including confidence building, the Freedom Programme, Expect Respect programme and Health and Wellbeing

Although IDVAs work closely with other organisations to ensure you get the best support, they are independent of all statutory agencies including the Police, Local Authority and Social Services. All services are confidential and follow professional codes of practice.