Force Control Room Specialists
This innovative approach improves safeguarding decisions, strengthens victim engagement, and ensures trauma-informed intervention from the moment the call is made.
Enhancing the Police Response to Domestic Abuse in Real Time
Our specialist Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) have been embedded within Humberside Police Force Control Room since 2019 providing real-time, expert support during domestic abuse incidents. This innovative approach improves safeguarding decisions, strengthens victim engagement, and ensures trauma-informed intervention from the moment the call is made.
What Is an IDVA?
An IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisor) is a trained specialist who supports people at high risk of harm due to domestic abuse.
Their role is to provide:
Safety planning & risk management
Emotional & practical support
Advocacy across criminal justice, health, housing, & social care
Support through police investigations & court processes
When based in a control room, IDVAs use their expertise to inform operational decisions in real time and improve outcomes for victims.
How It Works in the Control Room
Our IDVAs work directly alongside police call handlers, dispatch teams, and response supervisors.
Early Engagement with Victims
IDVAs offer early emotional and practical support, often contacting the victim within minutes or hours of the incident.
They explain the process, rights, and support options helping victims feel heard, believed, and supported.
Early contact helps build trust and improves long-term engagement with police and support services.
Information Sharing & Risk Management
IDVAs share relevant safeguarding information and flag complex or high-risk cases for fast-tracked support.
They liaise with Community based specialist support services, MARAC, Social Care, and Health services to ensure a joined-up response.
Why It Matters
Domestic abuse is one of the most common reasons for police contact. Victims often feel frightened, confused, or unsure about what will happen next. Having a specialist advisor in the control room means:
Victims get help faster, at the point of crisis
Risk is identified earlier, and victims are more likely to accept support
Victims are less likely to disengage from investigations or support plans
Repeat incidents and harm can be reduced
Police decisions are better informed by lived experience and specialist knowledge
Who Is This Service For?
Victims of domestic abuse at the point of crisis
Police officers & control room staff seeking safeguarding advice
Multi-agency partners such as MARAC, Social Care, and Housing
Officers wanting to refer high-risk cases to an IDVA immediately after an incident
Get in Touch
If you’re a professional working in policing, safeguarding, or support services and want to know more about our IDVA in Control Room model or the implementation of the Raneem’s Law Pilot in Humberside please contact:
Working Together to Save Lives
Placing IDVAs within the control room ensures faster, safer, and more victim-centred responses to domestic abuse. It is a powerful example of partnership in action protecting victims when they need it most.