Project Lead at Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS)
Sam joined IDAS over 11 years ago working in the Women’s Refuge within North Yorkshire. She was then successful in an opportunity to become and Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA), working with and supporting people who have experienced sexual violence. Sam is passionate about supporting people who have experienced sexual violence. Sam has dedicated her career to helping people to heal, and supporting them to find their voice in order to move forward in their own way.
During her role as an ISVA, Sam assisted with the development and successful implementation of the SARC service in North Yorkshire. Sam works across different agencies including the Police, Sexual Health services and Social Care in order to safeguard and protect individuals. Sam works to support victims in the criminal justice system and provides specialist support at court.
Sam has also worked across the UK in her role as an ISVA and completed a deployment to the Cayman Islands in 2018 to support the go live of the Kids Helpline Service and deliver training to Royal Cayman Islands Police Officers in the initial response to domestic abuse victims.
As an organisation, IDAS works tirelessly to end abuse and violence against victims and survivors. IDAS works to facilitate local, regional and national groups dedicated to improving legislation and practice that exists to protect the people we work with.
11 years ago, IDAS was supporting 50 ISVA clients across North Yorkshire. Today they are working with approximately 400 ISVA clients in the same area.