From 6th April 2023 you have the right to ask the Judge in Family Court for the opportunity to have an IDVA sit with you in Court to offer emotional support. This Practice Direction is one of the improvements to legal proceedings for people experiencing domestic abuse .
You can read more about this here: https://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/family/practice_directions/practice-direction-27c-attendance-of-idvas-and-isvas
Qualified as an IDVA since 2009 I have lots of experience having been through the Family Court process myself and working as an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) at The Dash Charity for many years. I have supported many clients who have attended Criminal Court as witnesses and those attending Family Courts for divorce, Childrens Act and financial proceedings and application for emergency civil orders such as Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders.
Why is IDVA support important?
Whether it’s your first time in the court arena or whether you have been there lots of times, it can be nerve-wracking to say the least, no matter how well-prepared you think you are. No matter how confident you feel, Court can make anyone nervous.
IDVA’s are experts in supporting people experiencing domestic abuse/controlling relatonships. We know what you will be worried about, we understand what will help you feel more supported and we have in-depth professional knowledge of legal processes, safeguarding procedures and knowledge of statutory and voluntary agencies.
Having your expert sit alongside you, looking after you every step of the way, completely focussed on your wellbeing throughout the day, can help ensure you give your best evidence, remain calm and do the best job you can in these very difficult circumstances. After all, some of these proceedings involve potentially life-changing decisions, so why wouldn’t you want to do your best job in securing the future you want for you and your children?
Here’s how I can help:
- Case consultation. Pre-court conversation to make sure I am fully briefed on your case, concerns, worries and also what you are hoping to achieve.
- Preparation. We will run through everything you can do practically and emotionally to make sure you are as ready as you can be for your hearing
- Make sure special measures such as screens are in place for you to give your evidence
- Ensure you understand the process and the terminology
- Sit with you before, during and after the hearing and ensure you are never alone
- Use tools and strategies to ensure you feel confident and in control on the day
- Support you with making decisions in partnership with your legal representative
- Debrief afterwards following the advice of your legal representative so you can fully understand next steps
Let me help you – together we can ensure that you do the absolute best job in court for your sake and that of your family.
Terms & conditions
This service is available for court hearings in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, London. For courts outside of these locations, please contact me to discuss.
A non refundable payment of 50% needs to be made in advance for me to hold the date for you and attend the hearing, the remainder amount is due within 7 days of the hearing.
If your case is cancelled you will not be invoiced for the remainder amount. If the case is moved I will do all I can within reason to attend and the deposit amount will be moved to the new dates. If you pay for a half day of support and the timing of your case runs over, you have the option of extending to a full day of support if I am available , with the full cost of the day to be paid within 7 days of the hearing.
This is a service to compliment that of your legal representative, not in place of that.
Cost: price on request