7 Independent sexual violence advisor jobs

Yellow Door is an amazing charity that is quite literally changing lives for the better across the Hampshire area, with a team of around 100 staff and volunteers, working together to prevent and respond to domestic and sexual abuse. We provide a diverse and innovative range of services to local people of all ages and genders. 

Last year we engaged with over 4,500 clients to provide crucial support, information, and in some cases a lifeline. Right now, our services have never been more in demand, so our volunteers and supporters are absolutely critical to us. Would you like to be part of our amazing team that is changing lives for the better in the Southampton area?

We are looking for highly motivated individuals to provide proactive advocacy and support services to people who have experienced sexual violence/ abuse. The CYP ISVA provides practical and emotional support to children and young people who have experienced sexual violence or abuse. The role focuses on delivering age-appropriate, trauma-informed support that reduces distress and supports informed decision-making. You will work with children and young people who may not be ready for counselling, offering accessible support while guiding them through the criminal justice process and advocating on their behalf. The role also involves supporting parents and carers, ensuring the young person’s voice is heard and their needs are met.

We are looking for individuals who have experience of working within an advocacy role, preferably within domestic or sexual abuse or related fields such as mental health/social care/justice roles. You will have a sound understanding of risk assessment alongside experience of managing diverse caseloads and working pro-actively within multi-agency partnerships to support victim-focused outcomes. The successful applicants will have effective communication and advocacy skills and knowledge of the impact of sexual violence/abuse.

For further information and to apply for the role, please visit our website. 

We are seeking a qualified Specialist ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advocate) to join our Advocacy team at Respond. The role includes providing pro-active emotional, practical and advocacy support for adults with learning disabilities and autistic people with complex or multiple needs who have experienced any form of sexual violence and are engaging, (or considering engaging) with the criminal justice system. The ISVA will work across London to provide non-judgmental, trauma-informed emotional support, working in partnership with other London sexual violence support services. 

Our ideal candidate will have experience in the ISVA role as well as a friendly and relational approach to working with clients.  You will have the ability to build trusting relationships, work in an empowering and inclusive way and support clients to heal following sexual abuse and develop coping capacity. You will be a self-motivated individual who will engage with a wider range of people who have experience sexual violence, and other barriers to justice.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an inclusive and passionate team, and you will be supported by the ISVA Service Manager in your ongoing development. Respond values and encourages working in a collaborative and compassionate way, as we support each other to address one of the most enduring injustices; of the experience of trauma to autistic people and people with learning disabilities and their families.

Background information about Respond 

Respond started in 1991 and has grown from a small London based charity to a medium sized national charity in recent years. Our mission is to reduce the impact of trauma in the lives of people with learning disabilities and autistic people, by developing trusting relationships, through psychotherapeutically informed services. 

An important part of our work at Respond is working in a trauma-informed way. What this means for us is that we hold in mind the impact of trauma at all levels of the organisation, and all staff take part in reflective practice or team dynamics. 

We are keen to encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates including people with lived experience, who are both interested in working in partnership to provide advocacy support, as well as supporting people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced trauma.

We are committed to the furthering of human rights, equality, and positive social change through our therapeutic and advocacy work and are committed to anti-racism and other forms of anti-discriminatory practice. We recognise that we need to continually keep this as a focus in our work and as an integral part of our organisational strategy.

We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement in the person specification, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable for this role.  You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles within the organisation. 

Respond Benefits package (all per financial year)

We offer a generous and comprehensive package of flexible benefits to all of our staff.

• Hybrid working model, which means that if you’re full time you make a commitment to be working in the office at least two days a week, with the remainder working from home. Part time hours are altered accordingly. 

• Generous paid leave benefits including 28.5 days holiday (plus Bank Holidays), with some to be taken between Christmas and New year.

• Up to 4 weeks paid sickness leave at full pay and a further 4 weeks at half pay,

• Discretionary study leave to support training relevant to your role. 

• Paid leave to employees who may need to take one day off a year when a religious festival falls on a workday.

• Up to 5 days paid time off for dependents per financial year.

• Opportunity to apply for up to 2 days (14 hours) paid leave per year to participate in volunteering activities relevant to the role. 

• Access to a workplace pension scheme, administered by NEST, with a minimum 5% employee contribution and 3% employer contribution from commencement of employment. 

• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which includes 24/7 telephone service and counselling.

Note all of the above days per annum stated are pro rata’d for part time employees. 

If you’d like to find out more about this role, please read through the job description and our person specification. When you apply, please send a CV and address the points in the person specification in an accompanying supporting statement.Your statement should be no more than 2 sides of A4.

Closing date for applications: 9th October 2026

We are recruiting for a Children and Young People’s Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ChISVA) to support and empower young survivors of sexual violence and abuse.

The ChISVA will provide information, support, advice and advocacy to children and young people who have experienced sexual assault or sexual abuse in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. The post holder will deliver child-centred support to young survivors and non-abusing care givers around criminal justice processes, wellbeing, education and safety, while ensuring child protection procedures are followed at all times.

The post holder will work closely with other agencies such as Social Care, the Police, Education, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and voluntary sector organisations to ensure that children and young people are kept safe and are well supported. They will prioritise, assess, plan, evaluate and deliver all relevant aspects of support to an agreed and expected high standard.

This post is part of a countywide ISVA team providing a pro-active service to children, young people and adult survivors of sexual violence and abuse, within and outside of the criminal justice system.

For more information and to apply for the role, please click on the 'Redirect to Recruiter' button to visit our website where you will find all the documents and details required.

Join our Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Team

We are growing our specialist Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Team and are looking for exceptional people to join us as Adult ISVAs, Children and Young People’s ISVAs (CHISVAs), and a Family ISVA.

If you are passionate about making a real difference to the lives of survivors of sexual violence, want work that is meaningful, challenging and genuinely impactful, and are excited by the opportunity to develop specialist expertise, we want to hear from you.

You do not need to have worked as an ISVA, CHISVA or Family ISVA before. We are open to applicants who understand the complexity and responsibility of these roles, who bring strong transferable skills, and who can demonstrate the compassion, resilience, professional curiosity and commitment needed to support survivors through some of the most difficult experiences of their lives.

For applicants who are not already qualified, Lincolnshire Rape Crisis will fully fund the accredited ISVA qualification relevant to your role. You will be supported to attend training within your working time and given the support you need to successfully complete your qualification and develop your specialist practice.

This is a huge opportunity to join an experienced, ambitious and dynamic team, develop a career in specialist sexual violence advocacy, and become part of an organisation delivering critical services to survivors across Lincolnshire.

If you want a role where your work matters, where you can keep developing, and where you have the opportunity to create meaningful change for survivors, we would love to hear from you.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Lincolnshire Rape Crisis and become part of a highly skilled, ambitious and values-led organisation committed to transforming the support available to people affected by sexual violence and abuse.

As an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA), you will provide specialist, trauma-informed and survivor-centred advocacy to survivors across Lincolnshire. You will support individuals whether or not they choose to report to the police, helping them understand their rights and options, access appropriate services and make informed decisions about their support.

For clients who choose to report, you will help them navigate every stage of the criminal justice process, from making an initial report and progressing through a police investigation to decisions made by the Crown Prosecution Service and any subsequent court proceedings. You will explain complex processes in a clear and accessible way, provide regular updates, liaise with criminal justice agencies, support clients to prepare for court and attend court with them where required.

You will provide consistent, independent advocacy throughout each client’s journey, ensuring their voice, choices and wellbeing remain central. You will work closely with the police, courts, Crown Prosecution Service, health services, safeguarding teams and voluntary-sector partners, while remaining independent from the criminal justice system.

The role includes managing a varied caseload, developing individual support and safety plans, identifying and responding to risk, maintaining accurate and confidential records, and advocating confidently on behalf of clients. You will be supported by an experienced management team, regular supervision, specialist training and a wider multidisciplinary team passionate about delivering exceptional services.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for dynamic, motivated and compassionate individuals with excellent written and verbal communication skills. You will be able to communicate sensitively with people who may be distressed, overwhelmed or experiencing significant uncertainty, while also engaging confidently and professionally with a wide range of agencies.

You will be resilient, highly organised and able to manage a demanding caseload without losing sight of the individual person behind each case. You will demonstrate sound professional judgement, strong boundaries and the ability to remain calm, responsive and solution-focused in complex situations.

We are particularly interested in applicants who:

• Are passionate about improving the experiences of survivors of sexual violence and abuse.
• Can build safe, trusting and professional relationships.
• Have exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Can explain complex information clearly and sensitively.
• Can advocate confidently and challenge professionals appropriately.
• Are proactive, adaptable and able to use their own initiative.
• Can manage competing priorities and maintain accurate, high-quality records.
• Understand the importance of safeguarding, confidentiality, equality and professional boundaries.
• Are committed to learning, reflective practice and continuous professional development.
• Can work collaboratively while bringing energy, ideas and initiative to the wider team.

Experience of advocacy, casework or supporting people within health, social care, criminal justice, safeguarding or the voluntary sector would be advantageous. Knowledge of the criminal justice system and the impact of sexual violence is desirable; however, we also welcome applicants with strong transferable skills and the commitment and ability to develop specialist knowledge.

Why Join Lincolnshire Rape Crisis?

Lincolnshire Rape Crisis is a growing, innovative and specialist organisation with an established reputation for providing high-quality services to survivors of sexual violence and abuse. We are proud of our skilled workforce, strong partnerships and commitment to ensuring survivors receive the support, advocacy and choices they deserve.

You will join a supportive and forward-thinking organisation where your professional development, wellbeing and contribution will be valued. We invest in our staff through specialist training, structured supervision, reflective practice and opportunities to develop within an expanding range of services.

Our work is challenging, purposeful and genuinely life-changing. We are looking for people who want to bring their skills, energy and ideas to an organisation that is ambitious for its clients, its staff and the communities it serves.

About the role

This role sits within Women and Girls Network’s CJS Team and provides rapid, short-term advocacy and support to survivors, in London, who have experienced sexual violence and are engaging with, or considering engaging with, the criminal justice system.

You will deliver brief, trauma-informed and survivor-centred support to people who are unable to access an ISVA locally or who are waiting for support through the London Survivors Gateway. Working across the Gateway partnership - including Rape Crisis Centres, Galop, Survivors UK, Respond, and the Havens - you will help ensure survivors receive timely, independent information and advocacy at a critical point.

As this is a pilot role, you will also play a key part in shaping and developing this specialist brief intervention ISVA provision in response to survivor need.

This role is offered on a two-year fixed-term contract. 

What you will be doing

As the Brief Intervention Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA), you will:

• Provide rapid, short-term independent advocacy, information and support to survivors navigating or considering the criminal justice system, enabling informed choice and access to rights.
• Deliver empowering, trauma-informed and intersectional support, including risk and needs assessments, safety planning and tailored action planning.
• Offer clear, impartial information about reporting options, the criminal justice process, survivors’ rights under the Victims’ Code, and available legal and compensation routes.
• Advocate on survivors’ behalf with police and criminal justice agencies, and support attendance at police stations or court where required.
• Work within strict safeguarding, confidentiality and professional boundaries, ensuring survivor safety and wellbeing remain central at all times.
• Develop and pilot a brief intervention ISVA model, contributing to service design, case management systems and best practice alongside the CJS Team Manager and Gateway partners.
• Build strong working relationships across the London Survivors Gateway partnership to strengthen pathways and improve access to timely support.
• Maintain accurate case records, monitoring and evaluation data, and engage in supervision, reflective practice and continuous professional development.
• Model WGN’s feminist, trauma-informed and anti-oppressive approach, contributing to a collaborative team culture and high-quality service delivery.

Closing date and interviews

This vacancy will close at 9am on Monday 5 October 2026. Interviews are expected to take place remotely via MS Teams on Wednesday 14 October 2026, however, please note that dates may be subject to change.

We encourage early applications, as we reserve the right to close the vacancy before the advertised closing date should we receive a high volume of applications or identify a suitable candidate.

About us 

Women and Girls Network (WGN) is a pan-London organisation that supports women and girls affected by all forms of gendered-based violence. Our overall aim is to promote, preserve and restore the mental health and well-being of women and girls who have experienced, or are at risk of, gendered-based violence, whilst working towards a society free of gendered-based violence.

We do this by:

• Providing women-only holistic and seamless therapeutic services, which meet women and girls’ needs and contribute to total and sustainable recovery from the experiences of violence.
• Evidencing the impact of gendered-based violence and presenting this information in appropriate forums to affect social change in attitudes towards, and responses to, gendered-based violence.
• Developing good practice in the sector by providing training and guidance on specialist service provision and the development of culturally appropriate service delivery.

WGN is proud to be an accredited Living Wage Employer and a member of The London VAWG Consortium, Halo Code, and Helplines Partnership.

Join us and be part of a team that values your well-being, growth, and contribution.

Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

We are deeply committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity, resilience and strength of the women and girls we serve. We strongly encourage applications from Black and Global Majority women and applicants with Lived Experience, including those who may not meet every criterion.

WGN is an equal opportunities employer.

Exemption

This post is exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1, and is open to female applicants only, due to the nature of the role.

We are looking for an effective and compassionate Children's Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (CHISVA) to support children and young people, and their families, affected by sexual violence. You'll help victims and survivors to cope and recover, as well as understand the criminal justice process and act as their advocate where needed. The role is fixed term maternity cover until Feb 2028, full-time and temporarily based from home, with travel across Lancashire requiring the use of your own vehicle.

For this reason you must reside in Lancashire to apply.

What we offer

At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Welcome Bonus: £500 on successful completion of probation period.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.

About the Role

The CYP ISVA will provide a high quality and victim/survivor focused service to children and young people (aged 5 - 18) who have been subjected to rape or sexual assault by penetration; this can be recent or historical. To help them to deal with the aftermath and consequences of violence and abuse.

To develop, deliver, and monitor safety and support plans for those affected by crime, who accept ongoing support. Support will include providing resources, interventions, and information to all service users. In order to:

• support those affected by crime in understanding and asserting their rights and entitlements
• in understanding their journey through the criminal justice and legal systems including the Victims Code of Practice
• facilitating access additional services
• establish healthy coping mechanisms
• provide practical support and information

This role involves regular travel and due to the location, a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you are unable to drive because of a disability, please indicate this in your application in your personal statement so we can explore the feasibility of alternative arrangements.

About Us

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

How to apply

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.