New Government Guidance to Strengthen Support for Survivors

On May 9, 2025, the Ministry of Justice, alongside Alex Davies-Jones MP, announced new guidance designed to improve the support available to survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. This important development aims to ensure that victims receive consistent, effective, and compassionate care, with a focus on practical and emotional support at every stage of their recovery journey.

The guidance, which is a key part of the government’s broader Plan for Change, introduces updated advice for Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs) and Independent Sexual Violence Advocates (ISVAs). These crucial roles provide vital support to survivors by helping them navigate the complex criminal justice system and connect with community-based services.

What the New Guidance Means for Survivors

The newly published guidance offers practical steps for IDVAs and ISVAs on how to best support victims of abuse, ensuring survivors receive consistent, high-quality care. It highlights the importance of:

• Navigating the criminal justice system: Helping survivors understand their rights and guiding them through legal processes, including court proceedings.

• Signposting to support services: Directing survivors to relevant services in their community for additional emotional, mental health, and practical support.

• Tailored support for vulnerable survivors: Providing age-appropriate materials and services for the most vulnerable, including children and young people, to ensure they are empowered and informed.

This guidance was developed in close collaboration with the victim support sector to ensure that it accurately reflects best practices for these vital roles. It is designed to improve the consistency of support for survivors, ensuring that all individuals, no matter where they live, receive the same high level of care.

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Independent Stalking Advocates

As part of this initiative, the government also announced that it will publish the first-ever guidance for Independent Stalking Advocates (ISAs) in 2026. This landmark guidance will be developed by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, with a focus on helping survivors of stalking to understand their rights and access the necessary support. Stalking is a devastating form of abuse that can have long-term effects on a victim’s emotional well-being, and these new guidelines will play a critical role in ensuring survivors have access to specialist advocacy.

A Step Forward in Reducing Violence Against Women and Girls

This work is part of the government’s commitment to reducing violence against women and girls and achieving its goal of halving these crimes within the next decade. The guidance is also aligned with the aims of the Plan for Change, a comprehensive strategy focused on creating safer streets and stronger protections for victims.

Alex Davies-Jones, Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, said:

“Independent Domestic Violence Advisers and Independent Sexual Violence Advisers are vital in supporting victims of domestic and sexual abuse – from helping to navigate the court process to advising on services they can access in their community.”

“Today’s guidance will help to improve the consistency of that support. This marks another step forwards in halving violence against women and girls as part of our Plan for Change.”

What This Means for Safeline

At Safeline, we wholeheartedly welcome these new guidelines and the increased focus on improving support for survivors of abuse. Consistent, trauma-informed support is essential in empowering survivors to rebuild their lives and seek justice. We are proud to be part of a community of organisations working together to support survivors and reduce violence in our society.

As the guidance continues to roll out, we remain committed to ensuring that every survivor has access to the resources, support, and advocacy they need. We also look forward to the introduction of the Independent Stalking Advocates’ guidance next year and will continue to work with our partners in the victim support sector to advocate for further improvements to survivor care.

Looking Ahead

While this new guidance marks an important milestone, there is still much work to be done to ensure that all survivors of domestic and sexual abuse receive the full support they deserve. At Safeline, we will continue to be a voice for those who have experienced trauma and work towards a future where all survivors are treated with the dignity and care they deserve.

To learn more about the support available for survivors of abuse, visit our Our Services page or contact us directly.

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