Victim Support Bedfordshire – IDVA service

Victim Support Bedfordshire delivers a ‘SafeLives’ Leading Lights accredited Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) service for people at risk of significant harm due to Domestic Abuse.

Our IDVA are based across Luton, Bedford and Central Bedfordshire, including a Hospital IDVA at Bedford Hospital (supporting inpatients and outpatients) and IDVA co-located within local authority social care and/or housing teams.

 Our IDVA service offers:

• Risk assessments and tailored safety planning.
• Advice about legal, criminal and civil options.
• Support with housing, homelessness and refuge options.
• Court support and explanations of the criminal justice process.
• Information on civil remedies, including Non-Molestation Orders.
• Advocacy with Police, CPS, Housing, Social Care and other agencies.
• Support with financial issues linked to domestic abuse.
• Advocacy at MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference).
• Referral and signposting to specialist local and national services.

Who the Service Is For:

We support any victims over the age of 16 years old that are at risk of significant harm, regardless of their sexuality, gender, disability, culture or background who reside within Bedfordshire.

Referral Pathways:

• All High-risk domestic abuse: Referrals must be made via MARAC
• Bedford Hospital IDVA (standard/ medium risk): internal referrals only. Access is via a referral form to request a form or ask questions, please email the service.
• Local Authority IDVAs (standard/ medium risk): Internal referral only. Access is via a referral form to request a form or ask questions, please email the service.

Victim Support Bedfordshire also offers a dedicated Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworker (ISAC) for people experiencing non-domestic abuse related stalking across Bedfordshire. Access is via a referral form. To request a form or ask questions, please email the service.

How to Contact Us:

Telephone:

Luton: 01582 488777

Bedford & Central Bedfordshire: 01234 763785

24 Hour Supportline: 08 08 16 89 111

Email: idva.bedfordshire@victimsupport.org.uk

Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm (excluding public holidays)

Victim Support is a national charity that helps anyone affected by crime, including their friends, family and any other people involved. They provide free and confidential support 24 hours a day for people affected by crime and traumatic events – regardless of if the crime has been reported to the police.