Court IDVAs

We have two specialist Court IDVAs who work exclusively work with victims and suvivors of domestic abuse who are going through the criminal justice system. 

Court IDVAs:

• Help victims understand the court process by explaining each step of the process, the victim’s role in a trial, sentencing outcomes, and what the sentence means for both defendant and victim.
• Request support for victims attending trial, including pre-trial visits and special measures for attending court.
• Attend trials with victims and sitting with them in the witness box during cross-examination, ensuring special measures are in place, and providing in-court safety planning.
• Work closely with the Victim and Witness Care Unit, Victims Hub, the Crown Prosecution Service and court officials: this ensures a wraparound approach for victims.
• Assist victims in asking for restraining orders, ensuring specific conditions are requested that work for the victim’s life.
• Complete a court form with the victim prior to the first hearing to ensure they have been offered all of their entitlements throughout the court process. This form is shared with the Crown Prosecution Service who attach it to the court bundle.
• Encourage victims to complete Victim Impact Statements and can assist victims in writing them. 

If you feel that you, someone you know, or who you are working with, is in need of a Court IDVA please call our Helpdesk on 01452 726 570 and they will discuss this with you.

Find out more about criminal and civil orders