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People you might meet

If you get support, report to the police or make a claim, you may meet people whose jobs you haven’t come across before. This page explains who does what, so you know what to expect and what to ask.

Every role on this page was checked against GOV.UK, the NHS, the law itself or the organisation’s own website. We last checked them on 6 October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice.

You can ask anyone you meet to explain their role, what they can and can’t do for you, and who they work for. You don’t have to meet all of these people. It depends on what you choose to do.

People who can support you

Independent sexual violence adviser (ISVA)
An ISVA gives specialist emotional and practical support to people who have experienced sexual violence or sexual abuse, whether or not they have reported it to the police. A sexual assault referral centre (SARC) can put you in touch with one. In England and Wales, the government has issued statutory guidance on the ISVA role under the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024.
Independent domestic violence adviser (IDVA)
An IDVA gives independent support to people who are victims of domestic abuse. IDVAs often work with people at high risk of harm, whether or not they have reported to the police, and whether or not they have left the relationship. In England and Wales, the government has issued statutory guidance on the IDVA role too. You can ask a domestic abuse helpline or service about IDVA support where you live.
Staff at a sexual assault referral centre (SARC)
SARCs offer medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused, whatever their gender or age, and whenever it happened. They can arrange a forensic medical examination even if you haven’t decided whether to report, and can put you in touch with an ISVA. In Scotland, if you’re 16 or over, you can refer yourself for an examination through NHS 24’s sexual assault self-referral phone service. In Northern Ireland, the SARC is The Rowan, and adults can refer themselves without involving the police.
Counsellor or therapist
Someone trained to help you talk through what happened and how it affects you now. Read about therapy and counselling, including how to check a therapist is registered.
Your GP
Your family doctor. A GP can help you work out what support you need, refer you to mental health services and tell you what’s available in your area.

If you report to the police

Police officer
The police take your report and investigate. Some officers are specially trained to talk with victims of rape and other serious sexual offences; depending on the police force, they may be called SOLOs or SOITs. Some forces also have specialist domestic abuse investigators. Read more in the criminal process.
Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
In England and Wales, the CPS prosecutes criminal cases investigated by the police. The police decide whether to charge in less serious cases; the CPS decides in more serious cases, including all domestic abuse cases. If the police or the CPS decide not to prosecute, or to stop a case, you can ask for that decision to be reviewed under the Victims’ Right to Review Scheme. Some conditions apply. In Scotland, prosecution decisions are made by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), and in Northern Ireland by the Public Prosecution Service (PPS).
Your rights as a victim
In England and Wales, the Victims’ Code sets out 12 rights for victims of crime. They include the right to be referred to services that support victims, to be given information about the investigation and prosecution, to make a Victim Personal Statement, and to complain if your rights aren’t met. Scotland has the Victims’ Code for Scotland, and Northern Ireland has the Victim Charter.
Witness Service
The Witness Service gives free support to witnesses at court. In England and Wales, it is run by Victim Support and helps prosecution and defence witnesses in every criminal court. In Scotland, Victim Support Scotland supports prosecution witnesses at court. In Northern Ireland, Victim Support NI runs the Witness Service for adults, and the NSPCC runs the Young Witness Service for witnesses under 18.

If you make a claim or apply for compensation

Solicitor
A lawyer who gives legal advice and represents clients. A solicitor can advise you on whether you may have a claim and, if you decide to go ahead, bring it for you. See our Legal Directory and civil claims guide, and the questions to ask a solicitor.
Barrister
A lawyer trained to give specialist legal advice and to represent people in courts and tribunals. Most people who use a barrister do so through a solicitor. In Scotland, the equivalent is an advocate.
Medical expert (expert witness)
A doctor or other specialist who writes a report for the court, for example about how you have been affected. In civil claims in England and Wales, the Civil Procedure Rules say: “It is the duty of experts to help the court on matters within their expertise. This duty overrides any obligation to the person from whom experts have received instructions or by whom they are paid.” (rule 35.3). Read about seeing a medical expert, or see our Expert Directory.
Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)
The government body that pays compensation to people physically or mentally injured because of a violent crime in England, Wales or Scotland. It does not cost anything to apply. You do not have to use a legal adviser; if you choose to use one, you cannot claim the cost back. In Northern Ireland, claims go to Compensation Services instead. Read our CICA guide.
Case worker (Scotland’s Redress Scheme)
A trained professional, employed by the Scottish Government, who helps survivors apply for redress. Your case worker helps you complete your application, sends it to Redress Scotland and sends you its decision. Read about redress schemes.

Where this information comes from

Checked on 6 October 2026. Roles and services can change, so check the official pages before you act.

If you’d like support from an ISVA, an IDVA or another specialist, our Support Directory lists organisations you can contact yourself.

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