Health Services: Domestic Abuse
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to develop central commissioning guidance for clinically-based domestic violence and abuse specialists.
Answered by Ashley Dalton
In May 2025, the Department of Health and Social Care worked with the Ministry of Justice in developing central commissioning guidance for Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) and Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) working in a range of settings, including healthcare. These advocates provide tailored emotional and practical support to victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse, regardless of whether the victim is reporting to the police. The guidance advises commissioners to consider how they resource and encourage ISVA and IDVA services to best serve victims' needs, for example considering additional specialised training beyond an advocate’s core role.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →