Careers: Independent domestic violence adviser

What is an independent domestic violence adviser? Independent domestic violence advisers (IDVAs) work with victims of severe domestic abuse who are at high risk of serious harm or homicide. Their job involves meeting with victims from the point of crisis in order to risk-assess and develop a plan to secure their long-term safety. This might include assistance with obtaining injunctions, housing or pursuing a case through the criminal justice system, as well as other practical and emotional support. IDVAs can be based in a variety of organisations, including a dedicated IDVA service, as part of a wider domestic abuse service or refuge, or as a team, linked to a hospital or police station.

There are specific children and young persons IDVA services, which provide specialised support to children and young people affected by domestic abuse. Different services work with different age groups. Children's IDVAs such as those employed by Blackpool Advocacy may offer one-to-one support and individual and group work sessions around topics such as confidence and self-esteem building. These services can be delivered in a range of settings such as schools, children's centres and community centres. They may also offer an opportunity to meet other young people who have had similar experiences and support to the non-abusing parent.

What kind of salary does an IDVA receive? Average salaries range from £22,000 to £26,000 a year.

Is the job market expanding or contracting? The role was established in 2005 and was built on the work of some of the most innovative charities in the field, which were employing independent advocates to support victims. National domestic abuse charity CAADA (Co-ordinated Action Against Domestic Abuse) was founded to develop this good practice. Since 2005 CAADA has trained more than 1,100 IDVAs from across England and Wales. IDVAs now play an important role in any service that aims to support high-risk victims.

Funding for IDVAs has traditionally come from a variety of sources, including the Home Office, local authorities or grant-making trusts. "Recent cuts to local authority budgets have affected the job market considerably," says Diana Barran, chief executive of CAADA. "However, the coalition government has been very supportive of the IDVA role, and as part of its action plan to tackle violence against women, the Home Office will provide £3.3m every year for the next four years to fund IDVAs and Marac (multi-agency risk assessment conference) co-ordinator posts," she adds.

"Funding must be matched locally," continues Barran. "We're hopeful that this central funding will contribute to the long-term stabilisation of the sector, however, it's still not enough to supply the amount of IDVAs needed to support all high-risk victims in the UK."

What skills and qualifications does someone need to become an IDVA? As well as an understanding of housing, criminal justice, civil law, substance use and issues affecting children, IDVAs must have excellent communication skills. "Being able to co-ordinate the work of multiple public agencies is an important part of the job," says Barran.

Prior experience of working with domestic abuse victims is generally a requirement of the role. To make the move from general domestic abuse support work to the role of an IDVA, new recruits undertake CAADA's IDVA training. The course enables learners to identify risk and manage this with clients, while addressing their safety in a consistent and professional way. Following foundation training, IDVAs are able to undertake advanced continuing professional development (CPD) alongside other health and social care professionals through CAADA's CPD programme, which is accredited with the University of Bath at Level 4.

Why do people choose to work as an IDVA? "We know that the IDVA role is effective," says Barran. "The Safety in Numbers research from the Hestia Fund demonstrates that up to 57 per cent of all victims supported by an IDVA report a complete or near cessation of the abuse following four months of contact. So most IDVAs find their job rewarding because they have helped their clients become more safe."

FIND OUT MORE

• Co-ordinated Action Against Domestic Abuse (CAADA) is a national charity supporting a strong multi-agency response to domestic abuse. It provides practical guidance to support professionals and organisations working with victims. www.caada.org.uk
• Safety in Numbers is a report by the Hestia Fund, the Sigrid Rausing Trust and The Henry Smith Charity published in November 2009, focusing on the work of IDVAs. www.caada.org.uk/research/Safety_in_Numbers_16pp.pdf
• Violence Against Women and Girls is the Home Office website that provides information on the government's strategic vision to end violence against women and girls. www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime/violence-against-women-girls