Table 1 The IDVA role

The independent domestic violence advisor (IDVA) is a specialist practitioner role. In 2005, an accredited training course for IDVAs was established, which provided a formal qualification, framework for practice and service standards for practitioners. Most practitioners who obtain the IDVA qualification are those already working in ‘domestic violence practitioner’ roles, providing domestic violence services, they are not usually health care professionals. IDVAs are employed predominantly in community settings where many are based in voluntary organisations, such as specialist domestic abuse services, police forces, housing associations, Local Authorities and courts. It is estimated that there are over 1000 IDVAs in England and Wales at a cost of £25 million [5]. IDVAs support high risk DVA victims, often at the point of crisis, addressing immediate needs and providing intensive short to medium term support. They are pro active in implementing safety plans, which in the short term may include practical steps to protect victims and their children. The safety plans also include actions from the MARAC as well as sanctions and remedies available through the courts, housing services and resources available through other organisations.