Survivors of domestic abuseneed a framework of support for recovery
Current statistics suggest that 70% of women in prison have experienced domestic abuse, and 53% have experienced emotional, physical or sexual abuse as a child. Domestic abuse is a pattern of controlling, threatening and/or violent behaviour by an intimate partner, family member or ex-partner. This can include physical, emotional, sexual, financial and tech abuse, coercive control, stalking and harassment, sexual exploitation, honour-based violence, forced marriage and Female Genital Mutilation/cutting.
Accessing specialist domestic abuse support services can be vital to addressing women’s trauma and to enabling them to begin to overcome the physical, emotional, financial and logistical impacts of abuse. For women seeking safety, fleeing from an abusive partner or relationship, or recovering as a survivor of abuse, these services can provide a framework for recovery.
Specialist domestic support services may include:
- Crisis support and safety planning through Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate (IDVA) services. IDVA teams can help to manage safety risks and create a tailored safety plans to protect women from further harm, including homicide and suicide.
- Emotional and practical support which may include help with finances, mental health and the criminal justice process.
- Advocacy support to help women to address a range of associated issues and work closely with other professionals in relation to healthcare, housing, and children and family services, as well as interactions with police and other parts of the criminal justice system.
- Women’s centre support, where women can meet professionals in safe, women-only spaces, access one-to-one support and connect with other women
- Support for children and young people affected by experiences of domestic abuse
SelectedDomestic abuse support services
We have curated the following shortlist of women’s organisations, women’s centres and specialist women’s organisations that can offer support, advice and signposting to domestic abuse support services in the UK. You can also search for domestic abuse support services near you by using our search facility
A Home of Her Own
Kairos’ A Home of Her Own service supports women subject to or at risk of sexual exploitation, who are homeless or facing homelessness, to secure and maintain safe, suitable accommodation. A Home of Her Own offers support across three pathways – crisis, prevention and sustainment.
Finance and Housing Support
Get support with: – 1-2-1 debt. – Welfare. – Benefits. – Universal Credit. – ESA – Employment & Support Allowance. – PIP – Personnel Independent Payment.
Supported Housing (mainstay)
We are a member of a supported housing consortium for homeless adults, we provide supported short term housing to homeless individuals with housing related support. Venus are unable to accept direct referrals for this service, please contact Sefton Council for mainstay access points.
Anawim Accommodation Support
We have a specialist housing officer who has built up good links with good quality housing in the city and provides resources to the other caseworkers. Along with our drop in workers they can provide support with tenancy issues, evictions, rough landlords etc.
Hope Street Residential Hub
Hope Street offers: A residential hub with 24-hour support, purpose built and specifically designed to create a trauma-informed, gender responsive environment for women and their children.
Supported Accommodation
Robinson Court in York provides holistic support for women and young people, with the aim of helping people build brighter futures for themselves and their families. Alongside our supported accommodation, we offer support in other areas of people’s lives, such as helping them access health appointments and working towards employment or volunteering. Ridley Villas
We offer: – One-to-one bespoke key work sessions to explore and address any issues – A safe space for women to identify and explore any trauma they are experiencing and/or have experienced – Access to the Ridley Villas 20-week tailor-made programme – The Stephanie Covington programme: Helping Wo
Women’s Accommodation Support Service (WASS)
Women’s Accommodation Support Service provides information, advocacy and support for homeless and insecurely housed women across Sussex. Women who are vulnerable in so many ways can find life very challenging.