Five years ago, a landmark piece of legislation was passed that changed the way the nation responds to domestic abuse. The Domestic Abuse Act was signed into law on 29 April 2021, after years of campaigning by Women’s Aid alongside dedicated survivors and activists. 

We marked this milestone with with a anniversary film and a dedicated reception, where we were joined by a whole host of voices, dedicated to making life better for survivors of domestic abuse: 

Powerful messages were shared by our speakers throughout the evening, including our CEO, Farah Nazeer, saying that: “Our task is clear: match the promise of the law with the reality of peoples’ lives”. Our ambassador, Charlie Webster also said: “You can’t design a system to protect people whose reality you don’t understand. Survivor voice is not a nice addition to policy. It’s quality control. The abuse ending is not the end of the story. We need long term wrap around support. Because healing is not an incident, it’s a journey. And right now we’re leaving too many people to walk it alone.”

The Act delivered a real step change in our society. It introduced provisions in a wide range of areas, from housing to the family courts, reflecting the diversity of needs that survivors have when fleeing abuse, as well as the insidious nature of domestic abuse – permeating every aspect of a survivor’s life.

For the first time ever, children were recognised as victims of domestic abuse in their own right in their own right; and laws relating to coercive control were extended – for example to recognise that a victim did not necessarily need to live with a perpetrator to experience this kind of abuse. 

Women’s Aid was immensely proud to campaign alongside sister organisations, activists, member services, dedicated parliamentarians, and most importantly, women and children with lived experience, to strengthen and support the passing of the legislation.  

Five years on, we are reflecting on the success of the Domestic Abuse Act, the gaps still left to fill and what needs to happen next to protect all women and children and to end domestic abuse for good. 

We have worked with survivors, supporters, ambassadors and policymakers on a film where we hear their vision for building a future free from abuse, and what the next steps are five years on from the Domestic Abuse Act to make this a reality: 

Whilst we celebrate the progress made over the last five years, we must also focus on what comes next to make change happen. 

The Domestic Abuse Act left out some vital provisions that we are still waiting to see: 

• We need to see further protections for migrant survivors facing obstacles when accessing support; 
• Education must do more to prevent abuse in future generations; 
• More funding is vital to support the specialist services across the country protecting women and children. 

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this video and to the individuals and services working every day to protect survivors. 

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“Imagine, just for a minute, what it’s like to live with someone abusive. Having to hide how terrified you are from your children, whilst fighting for their lives in the family courts.” 

 

“Why do I have to prove his abuse over and over again? Just because there aren’t any bruises, and even though my mind feels even more battered than my body ever could. Living with someone abusive is like being awake through a nightmare.” 

“It’s walking a tight-rope that you know you will fall from. One day I am his world, he worships the ground I walk on. The next he’s the cold, calculating, manipulative villain who would like nothing more than me dead.”

 

“Why is the mother not heard? Why do the professionals think they understand and know what is best for my children when they have absolutely no clue what hell we have lived through.” 

“When my six-year-old son was trafficked away from me by the family court system seven years ago, I felt completely alone. I was confused. Some people and institutions turned away, shunning me — presuming I was guilty of the things he accused me of. I didn’t know anyone else going through what I was. I doubted myself, wondering if maybe I had done something wrong.”

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Would you like to be part of an exciting West Yorkshire-wide programme supporting individuals, families and children through the Family Court process?

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact through supporting domestic abuse survivors, ensuring their voice is heard in the Family Courts?

West Yorkshire Pathfinder Partnership (WYPP) was launched in June 2025, as a 12-month pilot, following successful programmes in other UK areas. We are delighted that the pilot was a success and the programme has been initially extended to March 2027.

Staying Put are proud to lead this partnership of 5 exceptional providers of domestic abuse services; Leeds Domestic Violence Service represented by Leeds Women’s Aid and Behind Closed Doors, WomenCentre, Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership and Wakefield Domestic Abuse Service.

We are currently looking for a dedicated and passionate IDVA to fill our vacancy at Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership, in Kirklees and WomenCentre in Calderdale. The salary is the same across the partnership, however the terms and conditions may vary. You will be employed by one of the above organisations and be based in one location, however there is the need for flexibility and expectation of travel across all areas, at times.

About the role

This role plays a crucial role in supporting individuals, families and children through the family court process as part of the Pathfinder programme. Working as part of a strong multi-agency team across the courts of West Yorkshire, you will ensure the voice of the survivor informs every stage of the process. Using a client-led and trauma-informed approach, this role provides high-quality advocacy support to survivors of domestic abuse.

Kirklees – Full-time, 37.5 hours, Monday to Friday
Calderdale – Part-time, 4 days (30 hours), between Monday to Friday
£27,898 – £28,898 FTE per annum, depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract initially until 31st March 2027 with the possibility of extension

About you

We’re looking for someone organised, non-judgemental, and passionate about helping and supporting our service users. If you have experience in advocacy, supporting vulnerable people in a domestic abuse arena and have a strong understanding of trauma-informed care, we want to hear from you. We are looking for someone with ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic team environment and who has experience of report writing and excellent listening skills. Apply now and be a part of something meaningful!

Women only – ** Due to the nature of this role, we will only be accepting applications from women under schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010**

For more information on the Pathfinder Partnership, individual partners and the role, please visit our website to download the recruitment pack and application form. https://stayingput.org.uk/family-court-idva-wypp/

Here you can download the recruitment pack, job description and application form. Please submit completed applications to the address on the form. CVs will not be accepted.

We will not be able to respond to all applications individually. If you have not heard from us after the shortlisting dates please consider that you have not been successful on this occasion.

Closing date: 9am Monday 23rd March 2026

Interview date: Monday 30th March 2026

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Farah Nazeer, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, comments:

“We are delighted to see the government announcement of the repeal of the presumption of parental contact from family court cases, as part of Courts and Tribunals Bill yesterday. This marks a major campaign victory for Women’s Aid, our sector partners and the survivors we have worked with, including our ambassador Claire Throssell MBE. We are hopeful that this historic decision will help ensure the safety of children is put before the rights of abusive parents. 

‘Claire’s two sons, Jack and Paul, were murdered by their abusive father and she has been campaigning for this landmark change ever since. The proposed change in law will mean that from now on, children should be protected and that abusers will no longer be able to use family courts as a weapon against their victims.  

“We will now be calling for specialist domestic and sexual abuse training to be mandated for judges, in recognition of the fact that years of pro-contact culture will take time to reverse. Education and better understanding of domestic abuse are essential to ensure that preventable mistakes are avoided and both women and child survivors are kept safe.” 

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Would you like to be part of an exciting West Yorkshire-wide pilot programme supporting individuals, families and children through the Family Court process?

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact through supporting domestic abuse survivors, ensuring their voice is heard in the Family Courts?

West Yorkshire Pathfinder Partnership (WYPP) was launched in June 2025, as a 12-month pilot, following successful programmes in other UK areas. Staying Put are proud to lead this partnership of 5 exceptional providers of domestic abuse services; Leeds Domestic Violence Service represented by Leeds Women’s Aid and Behind Closed Doors, WomenCentre, Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership and Wakefield Domestic Abuse Service.

We are currently looking for a dedicated and passionate IDVA to fill our vacancy at Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership, in Kirklees. The salary is the same across the partnership, however the terms and conditions may vary. You will be employed by one of the above organisations and be based in one location, however there is the need for flexibility and expectation of travel across all areas, at times.

About the role

This role plays a crucial role in supporting individuals, families and children through the family court process as part of the Pathfinder programme. Working as part of a strong multi-agency team across the courts of West Yorkshire, you will ensure the voice of the survivor informs every stage of the process. Using a client-led and trauma-informed approach, this role provides high-quality advocacy support to survivors of domestic abuse.

Part-time, 3 days (22.5 hours), Monday to Friday
£27,898 – £28,898 FTE per annum, depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract initially until 31st May 2026. There is the possibility of extension, depending on successful outcomes of the pilot.

About you

We’re looking for someone organised, non-judgemental, and passionate about helping and supporting our service users. If you have experience in advocacy, supporting vulnerable people in a domestic abuse arena and have a strong understanding of trauma-informed care, we want to hear from you. We are looking for someone with ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic team environment and who has experience of report writing and excellent listening skills. Apply now and be a part of something meaningful!

Women only – ** Due to the nature of this role, we will only be accepting applications from women under schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010**

For more information on the Pathfinder Partnership, individual partners and the role, please visit our website to download the recruitment pack and application form. https://stayingput.org.uk/family-court-idva-wypp/

Here you can download the recruitment pack, job description and application form. Please submit completed applications to the address on the form. CVs will not be accepted.

We will not be able to respond to all applications individually. If you have not heard from us after the shortlisting dates please consider that you have not been successful on this occasion.

Closing date: 9am Monday 5th January 2026

Shortlisting date: Tuesday 6th January 2026

Interview date: Friday 9th January 2026 at Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership

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Ellie Daniel, Head of Policy and Survivor Services at Women’s Aid, comments:  

“While we have seen positive reforms to the family justice system since the release of the Harm Panel report in 2020, the culture change in family courts has been too slow, leaving countless women and children at risk of harm, their experiences minimised and dismissed.  

“This is why we, along with our sector colleagues, are issuing a collective Statement of Intent, calling on the Judicial College to develop high quality training on domestic and sexual abuse. This should be based on key domestic abuse training principles that we, as a collective, developed alongside survivors. 

“This specialist training will play a vital role in helping the judiciary identify risks of harm and mitigate court-induced trauma for survivors, meaning that the safety of women and children is at the heart of all court decisions. 

“We are also calling on the Government to make resources available to the Judicial College to enable the development and implementation of this training. For too long, abusers have been able to manipulate the court system to continue harming women and children. This must stop now.” 

You can read the Statement of Intent here: Family Court Judicial Training Statement of Intent

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With over 23 years’ experience of providing support to men, women and children who are survivors of domestic abuse & sexual violence in the Bradford area, we put our clients at the heart of what we do and are continually striving to make the survivors experience the very best it can be whilst accessing our services.

Our team of committed and dedicated colleagues work with passion and integrity to deliver a holistic package of integrated support in our fast-changing environment.

Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA)

Are you passionate about empowering survivors and creating safer communities?
Join Staying Put as an Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) and help individuals rebuild confidence and control after experiencing sexual violence.

About the role

The aim of this role is to support individuals who have experienced, or are currently experiencing, sexual violence, through a whole family approach to safeguarding and support planning. As an ISVA, you’ll provide person-centered, trauma-informed support to people at all stages of the Criminal Justice process. You’ll help survivors understand their rights, navigate systems, and access emotional and practical support. Working closely with Police, CPS, courts, and partners, you’ll ensure every client’s voice and choice remain central.

Women only – ** Due to the nature of the work, we can only accept applications from women under schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010**

This is a part time role, up to 18.75 hrs per week, Monday to Friday £27,554 – £28,735 per annum pro rata (depending on qualifications).

About you

We are looking for someone who is empathetic, resilient, and committed to empowering others. With experience supporting people affected by trauma, domestic abuse, or sexual violence, you understand the value of emotional safety, inclusion, and advocacy. You will work confidently with multi-agency partners and bring strong communication and organisational skills. You will need to be a strong team player who possesses tact and diplomacy and can confidently communicate with people in distress. Experience of safeguarding practices are essential as is a proven track record of building positive working relationships. You will need to have a good understanding of the criminal justice system in order to support your clients through the court process.

About us

Staying Put are part of an exciting and innovative, multi-agency partnership working together with Family Action and Women Centre, to develop a ‘one system approach’ to families affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.

We are proud to provide vital support and services to men, women and children of Bradford who are survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence. We help people have better lives – and you can too.

We are looking for enthusiastic, experienced, engaged and highly motivated people to join our expanding team.

Be part of an organisation that makes a difference and where 85% of colleagues agree or strongly agree they feel valued.

We want to be a great place to work so have attractive benefits;

• 30 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Flexibility & hybrid working where possible
• Enhanced maternity pay after 1 year
• Workplace pension
• Healthcare Scheme after probation
• Employee discount scheme & wellbeing platform
• Being part of a friendly, supportive team Living Wage employer
• We work with Mindful Work Practices
• Free on-site parking at most sites
• Being part of an inclusive & diverse organisation
• Training and development plans

Closing date: 5pm Monday 24th November

Shortlisting date: 26th November

Interview date: 4th December

Application Information

To find out more and apply for this exciting role please visit our website https://stayingput.org.uk/independent-sexual-violence-advocate/

Here you can download the job description and application form. Please submit completed applications to sprecruitment@stayingput.org.uk. CVs will not be accepted.

We expect a high volume of applications so unfortunately, we will not be able to respond to all applications individually. If you have not heard from us after the shortlisting dates please consider that you have not been successful on this occasion.

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Domestic Abuse Act 2021

Campaigning by survivors, activists and Women’s Aid secured many vital changes to the Act. A key change being that children were recognised as “victims in their own right”, meaning children are survivors, rather than just witnesses of abuse.

No Woman Turned Away

The No Woman Turned Away project supports women and their children fleeing domestic abuse, who face barriers when trying to access a safe refuge. 

A team of specialist domestic abuse practitioners responds to referrals from VAWG organisations and offer personalised support to survivors of domestic abuse in their search for a safe space to live. This includes refuge searches and liaising with other professionals.

Family Justice

Women’s Aid has been campaigning tirelessly for over 20 years to ensure that children’s safety is prioritised in the family courts. Publishing reports and running campaigns to highlight the failings of the justice system in protecting children. 

Child First

Our Child First campaign started in 2016 and calls on the government and all family courts agencies to make the family court process safer for women and children survivors of domestic abuse. We want an end to avoidable child deaths as a result of unsafe child contact with dangerous perpetrators of domestic abuse. 

Hear Them or Grieve Them campaign 

In 2016 we published our Nineteen Child Homicides report and nearly a decade on we published a second report: Nineteen More Child Homicides. This research found that in the last 30 years, 67 children have been killed by a parent who was also a perpetrator of domestic abuse, in circumstances relating to unsafe child contact. Our ‘Hear Them or Grieve Them’ campaign shines a light on the lost lives of these children and asks the government to hear children’s voices and protect them from unsafe family court practices. 

Presumption of parental involvement

After a decade-long campaign by Women’s Aid, our survivor ambassador Claire Throssell MBE, and countless survivors, are delighted the government has finally made the historic decision to repeal the legal presumption of parental involvement. This is a major campaign win which will help save lives and gets us one step closer on our mission to keep women and children safe. Now we’ve got commitment to changed the law, we’re calling for a whole-system approach to centre children’s voices in the courts, and beyond. 

The Monster Who Came To Tea 

In 2025 Women’s Aid launched a sobering children’s book the ‘Monster Who Came to Tea’ calling on the Government to improve  government funding does not reflect the reality of domestic abuse, leaving vital services struggling to meet the needs of women and their children without any dedicated funding. 

Find out more

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