Rebecca Ewing and Emily Clarke are Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVA) who spoke about their work supporting abused women and helping them navigate the Criminal Justice System (CJS)
‘One Domestic Violence incident is reported every minute’
Emily and Rebecca work with communities in Wycombe, Chesham and South Bucks empowering women to make choices with access to refuges, a helpline and Freedom Meetings with access to GPs and Health Care Professionals regardless of age, ethnicity, sexuality, disability, and religion on a one to one basis with their Care worker.
There are many forms of Domestic Abuse: Physical sexual abuse, rape, and strangulation which are easier to prove than psychological abuse including coercive and controlling behaviour and financial constraints. It can affect elderly people and teenagers.
IDVAs are involved in Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC) with police, health, housing and child protection when the victim is deemed to be high risk and to reduce the threat of serious harm.
When a case is deemed appropriate for court action by the Justice Gateway the IDVAs guide the victims through the Court procedure by explaining restraining orders, non-molestation orders and bail conditions. They can protect the victim with special measures including evidence in video links, screening in court, and separate areas and entrances.
It can take from 18 months to 2 years for a case to come to court and often dates are changed or postponed at the last minute.
These dedicated women are a vital support for vulnerable people in the community and work tirelessly with very harrowing cases.