Also known as independent domestic violence advocates, IDVAs work primarily with people at high risk of domestic violence and abuse, independently of any one agency, to secure their safety and the safety of their children. Serving as the primary point of contact, IDVAs normally work with their clients from the point of crisis to assess the level of risk, discuss the options and develop plans that address their immediate safety, as well as longer-term solutions. In many areas they are funded by the local community safety partnership, in some areas they are funded by the police or local authorities.