If you’re looking for support around abuse, violence or stalking linked to your experience connected to the armed forces community, we’re here to listen. You don’t need to have the right words for it, and you don’t need to have reported anything. You can begin simply by sharing what’s been happening.
Who we support through this service
We support women aged 16+ who have a link to the armed forces and are affected by current or historic abuse, including sexual harassment and sexual violence, including:
Trevi is a women’s charity in Plymouth providing safe, specialist support for women and children.
We offer two residential services, supporting women in recovery from substance misuse and who need parenting assessments, and women with links to the criminal justice system. We also support women affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence at our Women’s Centre, including through our specialist Armed Forces Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs). Everything we do is trauma-informed and empowering, helping women to rebuild their lives, and move forward safely.
What you can expect from us
You will be met with belief, care and respect. We are independent. We are confidential. We will go at your pace.
What is an IDVA?
An independent domestic violence advocate (IDVA) is someone who supports you to be safer in your relationship and to navigate your options. They can support you whether you want to stay, leave, report, or simply talk it through.
What is an Armed Forces IDVA?
Our Armed Forces IDVAs are specially trained to understand the pressures and complexities of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and stalking within the military community.
Whilst domestic abuse can happen anywhere, armed forces life can add extra pressure and extra barriers to getting help. For some women, professional and personal lives overlap, which can make confidentiality feel harder. Rank, power dynamics and hypermasculine cultures can play a part too. Deployment and reintegration can affect patterns of abuse, and frequent relocations can mean isolation from friends and family. For many women, it can be unclear whether military or civilian services are the right route. Immigration status and housing can add further risk.
Am I really being abused?
Domestic abuse, sexual violence and stalking don’t always look the way people expect. It can be physical – but it can also be subtle and hard to explain: controlling your money, monitoring your phone, isolating you from friends or family, making threats, pressuring you sexually, or leaving you feeling anxious, watched, or “on edge”.
If you’re reading this page, something probably doesn’t feel right – and that matters. You don’t need to have the perfect words, or be certain what’s happening, to ask for help. If you’re a woman with a link to the armed forces and you’re worried about your safety or wellbeing in a relationship or after it, you’re in the right place.
We help you:
Step 1
we receive your form
You can tell us if it is not safe to call, leave messages, or email. You can also tell us the safest times to contact you.
Step 2
we make contact
We will try to contact you as soon as we can. If we cannot safely reach you, we will not keep trying in a way that could put you at risk. We can meet you at our Women’s Centre, at a partner agency (such as another charity or organisation), or in a public space (like in a coffee shop or library).
Step 3
your first conversation
One of our specialist Armed Forces IDVA will listen, ask a few questions to understand immediate risk, and talk through the support you’re looking for. You can bring someone you trust if that helps.
Step 4
your safety plan and support
We will agree a safety plan and next steps with you. Support might be one conversation, or ongoing advocacy over time. It depends on what you need.
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Our e-newsletter goes out approx. every 2 months
sign up for our newsletter
Our e-newsletter goes out approx. every 2 months
t: 01752 255 758
e: office@trevi.org.uk
