What is Domestic abuse?
Please visit our support pages to find out the
different types of abuse one may experience, the contact details for supportive
organisations and tips on covering your tracks. https://www.shl.uk/support/domestic-abuse-and-violence
In addition to this information, SHL offers service users the
opportunity to have a supportive telephone discussion with an Independent
Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA).
What is an IDVA?
An IDVA is an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate, whose role is to
provide specialist advice and support to adults and young people experiencing
abuse from a current or former intimate partner or family member, regardless of
gender or sexual orientation. The SHL IDVA is part of the clinical team based
at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
When you order a test kit you can opt to
request a call back from the IDVA/SHL clinical team or you can contact the IDVA
directly yourself by calling 020 3315 4515 or emailing [email protected].
The support offered is tailored to individual needs
and wishes, some examples of support available include:
- Risk
assessment, risk management and ongoing safety planning
- Emotional support and empowerment, supporting individuals to make
informed decisions
- Working with survivors of domestic
abuse to increase their, and their dependent's, safety and well being
- Tailored safety planning
- Advocacy and liaison with services such as housing, police, socialservices, health and mental health services
- Information and support with housing, including access to emergencyor alternative accommodation options and free home security measures
- Support through the Criminal Justice System and assistance inaccessing legal advice e.g.,attending court hearings for emotional support
- Information and support about Civil Orders and Injunctions
- Signposting and support to access services such as, emotionalsupport services and counselling, legal advice and substance misusesupport
Please note, if you opt for being
contacted by the team their calls may be from a with-held number or the Chelsea
and Westminster switchboard number – 02033153000.
Please do let the team know if you
have any safety considerations.