Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Publication of statutory guidance on victim support roles under the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024

08 May 2025 · Ministry of Justice

Proposed by Alex Davies-Jones Lab Pontypridd

Justice & CourtsNHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • The Government will publish statutory guidance for IDVA and ISVA roles tomorrow.
  • The guidance aims to standardise support roles for victims of domestic violence and sexual violence.
  • Future guidance for Independent Stalking Advocates will be committed to by the Government.

Issue summary

The statement addresses the commencement of section 16 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, which requires the Secretary of State to issue statutory guidance on specified victim support roles.

Action requested

Tomorrow, the Government will publish statutory guidance for Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVA) and Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVA), and commit to future guidance for Independent Stalking Advocates (ISA). This aims to standardise these roles and ensure victims receive consistent support. Criminal justice bodies will be required to follow this guidance.

Key facts

  • The Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 was commenced in January 2025.
  • Section 16 of the Act places a duty on the Secretary of State to issue statutory guidance about victim support roles specified in regulations.
  • Statutory guidance will be published for IDVA, ISVA, and future guidance is planned for ISA.
  • The guidance aims to standardise victim support roles and ensure victims receive consistent support.
  • Criminal justice bodies will have a statutory duty to follow the guidance.
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