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IDVA |
The role of an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) is ‘to address the safety of victims at high risk of harm from partners, ex-partners or other family members to secure their safety and the safety of their children’.
You will be provided with a safety plan, given information and advice on both practical and emotional issues. The service can provide advocacy in relation to reporting to police, participating in the family court, housing and health. FCWA can signpost and refer to other relevant organisations to assist you. FCWA can provide this support directly to you either face-to-face, over the telephone or email.
FCWA boasts experienced and qualified workers that can provide specialist support for:
- Older adults
- Men
- Sexual violence
- Stalking & harassment
- Immigration and cultural issues
- Honour-based violence
- Female genital mutilation
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Minorities |
FCWA Minorities IDVA offers support to all minority groups and their dependent children across the Fylde Coast. This includes providing specialist services to black and minority ethnic groups experiencing domestic abuse from intimate partners and intra-familial abuse, such as honour-based violence, forced marriage and immigration issues. The objective of the project is to ensure that all individuals experiencing domestic abuse are provided with specialist knowledge and understanding of potential barriers to accessing services.
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Health |
FCWA Health IDVA provides onsite support to patients and staff members at Blackpool Teaching Hospital. The Health IDVA works across wards with in-patients, midwifery and maternity services, mental health, GP and community outpatients and A & E department. Support is also provided for staff affected by abuse in their own relationships. Professionals wanting to make a referral can do so by completing the adult services referral form.

Rubina’s story
"My name is Rubina and I am from Pakistan, I came to the UK 4 years ago to be with my husband after an arranged marriage. When I came to live with my husband we moved into his family’s home, which we shared with them.
My husband was physically, financially and verbally abusive towards me as was his family. After a year my daughter was born, and I thought situation would change. But it did not."