STAYING PUT – proud to provide vital support and services to the 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.

With over 24 years’ experience of providing support to men, women and children who are survivors of domestic abuse and 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.

Young Person’s Violence Advocate

We have an exciting opportunity for a Young Persons Domestic Abuse Advocate (YPDAA) to join our Early Intervention and Prevention Team as part of a 2-year contract.

Would you like the chance to develop services that help young people understand the dynamics and complexities of domestic abuse, with the aim to drive forward long-lasting positive change where young women and girls can live free from abuse and violence?

About the role

This role will work directly with young people aged 16–24 affected by domestic abuse, providing trauma-informed, person-centred support that helps them feel safe, heard and empowered. You’ll also work closely with colleges, universities and partner agencies to raise awareness, deliver prevention work, and strengthen responses to domestic abuse and healthy relationships, and deliver group work.

The post is about early intervention, building resilience, and ensuring young people have the right support at the right time. You’ll be joining a supportive, values-led organisation committed to safety, equality and meaningful change across the Bradford district.

This is a part-time role, 30 hours per week over 4 days, £27,554 to £28,735 FTE per annum (depending on DV qualification), (actual salary £22,043 – £22,988 per annum) 2 years fixed term initially.

About you

If you have experience of working in the domestic abuse arena, education setting or with young people in a crisis situation, and are looking for a new challenge, this is the opportunity for you. Our ideal candidate will have experience of working, and maintaining positive relationships, with partner agencies as well as being a strong team player with a non-judgemental and empathic approach. We are looking for someone who is a great communicator and has experience delivering presentations that engage their audience.

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

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) and birthday leave
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced maternity pay after 1 year
• Workplace pension
• Healthcare plan after probation
• Employee discount scheme & wellbeing platform
• Free on-site parking at most sites
• Welfare and wellbeing policies
• Being part of an inclusive & diverse organisation
• Clinical supervision with external providers
• Training and development plans

Closing date: 5pm Friday 8th May

Interviews: Friday 22nd May

Application Information

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

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 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 by 20th May, please consider that you have not been successful on this occasion.

The post Young Person’s Domestic Abuse Advocate (YPDAA) appeared first on Women’s Aid.

Do you have the resilience and the motivational, inspiring personality it takes to bring a rapid response to this vital service aimed at supporting Bristol’s female homeless population? This is an innovative project for Next Link working with St Mungo’s to provide safe housing and specialist support to women who are fleeing or at risk of domestic or gender-based violence or abuse, with principles of safety, choice, collaboration, trust, and empowerment.

We have a rewarding opportunity available for a Female* Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advisor (IDSVA) to join our Respite Room Safehouse Team in Bristol. You will join us on a full-time, Permanent contract working 37.5 hours per week on a rota basis including some evening and weekend work.  In return, you will receive a competitive salary of £28,598 (unqualified) or £30,024 (qualified) per annum plus unsociable hours payment and benefits.

In return for joining us, we will offer you:

• Up to 30 days annual leave (depending on length of service)
• 3 extra holidays including International Women’s Day
• Excellent development and training opportunities
• Employer pension contribution (minimum 5% of your gross salary)
• Mindful Employer Plus Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Long Service Awards
• Health and Wellbeing programme

About the role

Managed by St Mungo’s and Next Link on behalf of the DLUHC (Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities), the Respite Rooms safehouse provides a specialist gender and trauma informed housing and support service for women facing multiple disadvantage fleeing or at risk of domestic and/or gender-based violence.

The service offers short stay temporary accommodation to women who are fleeing or at risk of domestic or gender-based violence or abuse.

This post will be based at the Respite Rooms safehouse providing housing and specialist support to high-risk victims of domestic abuse across Bristol. The role will involve working with a client group experiencing multiple complexities, delivering specialist domestic abuse interventions, and holding the specialism within the team.

Working with Next Link and in close partnership with the Police, Lighthouse, Homelessness, and Drug/Alcohol support services to provide a co-ordinated package of emotional and practical support, advice, and advocacy to female survivors of domestic violence

The role involves empowering survivors to increase their options, make positive choices/decisions, increase their confidence, safety, and recovery.

In this role you will:

Deliver, in conjunction with other members of the team, support to female clients with multiple support needs who have also experienced domestic or sexual abuse and VAWG.

You will be carrying out IDVA assessments and interventions, providing clients with personalised case management support to help them be connected into specialist external services, and ensuring a housing pathway so the women can be rapidly and safely rehoused.

Working with your small team, as well as liaising closely with partner agencies and the night workers, you will work a rota that will involve some evening, weekend work. This role will pay unsocial able hours payment.

You will ideally be a fully qualified IDVA or be willing to work towards an IDVA qualification and will have experience of working with vulnerable people and an understanding of the needs of homeless women and/or women who have experienced domestic or sexual abuse or exploitation. Strong communication, influencing, and reasoning skills are also key, as is a flair for solving problems. Other qualities include knowing how to network and build effective relationships with people at every level, and a keen interest to keep abreast of current DV and VAWG related issues, housing legislation, welfare benefit legislations, and other matters relevant to successful support and move on of clients.

This role is only open to female applicants. Due to the specific requirements of this role, this post is exempt under the Equality Act (2010), Part 1, Schedule 9 (Genuine Occupational Requirement).

About you

You will ideally hold an IDVA qualification or be willing to work towards an IDVA qualification and will have experience of delivering specialist domestic abuse interventions to women facing multiple disadvantage. Strong communication, influencing, and reasoning skills are also key, as is a flair for solving problems.

You will adopt a trauma-informed approach in all interactions, recognising the impact of complex trauma, avoiding re-traumatisation, and prioritising emotional and physical safety, choice, and autonomy. This will include building consistent, trusting relationships with women through compassionate, non-judgemental and strengths-based engagement.

Other qualities include knowing how to network and build effective relationships with people at every level, and a keen interest to keep abreast of current DV and VAWG related issues, housing legislation, welfare benefit legislations, and other matters relevant to successful support and move on of clients.

How to apply:

Please download the Application Pack from our website and complete the Application Form. Please submit your application by 9am Thursday 23^rd April 2026. Please do not send CVs. Interviews will be held on Wednesday 29^th and Thursday 30^th April 2026.

hr.enquiries@missinglinkhousing.co.uk                                                          www.nextlinkhousing.co.uk

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

We welcome the government’s ambitious commitment to halving violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the next decade, as outlined in their strategy published today.  

We are pleased to see the emphasis the strategy places on long-term prevention, particularly new investment in programmes that aim to shift attitudes of children and young people, ensuring that they understand what healthy relationships must look like. Our own research tells us that children who were exposed to content like that from Andrew Tate, were five times more likely to view hurting someone physically as acceptable, if they apologised afterwards, so this intervention is absolutely vital. We also welcome much-needed plans to improve local commissioning standards which, for too long, have resulted in a postcode lottery of support for victims and survivors. Looking ahead, it is fundamental that there is a focus not just on setting national expectations – but on ensuring robust implementation and accountability on the ground, so that all women and children experiencing abuse are able to access lifesaving support when they need it most. 

This strategy is a commendable effort by government to deliver a whole system response to VAWG, including through long-awaited interventions in healthcare, which should provide additional resource to complement the vital work being delivered already by specialist services. However, we are mindful that frontline services will experience additional strain following a planned increase in referrals through the NHS, as well as via education and criminal justice systems. It is important that these services are well-equipped to respond, given that over 60% of referrals into refuge are already declined, primarily due to a lack of bedspaces. Additional funding by government into safe accommodation and other specialist services is welcome, but this needs to go much further, including through ring-fenced investment in services run by and for Black and minoritised women and dedicated support for child victims  

While we also acknowledge the government’s efforts to encourage reporting of abuse by migrant victims and survivors, significantly more remains to be done to ensure these most vulnerable victim-survivors are protected and supported, as well as specific funding commitments towards migrant survivors of domestic abuse. The Home Office Flexible Fund, administered by Women’s Aid via our network of specialist services and delivery partners, remains crucial for supporting women, such as those with no recourse to public funds, in times of crisis, and we advocate for sustainable funding for this lifeline. 

Finally, it is critical that through the delivery of this VAWG strategy, the wider expertise and fullest potential of the specialist domestic abuse sector, including the by and for sector, is recognised. Our specialist members already deliver educational work in schools, provide therapeutic services and train of professionals, amongst a myriad of expertise which compliments their role in delivering safe accommodation, as well as frontline and community-based services. We strongly urge that the sector is heavily involved in the funded delivery of these new and vital aspects of the strategy. 

We will now take time to familiarise ourselves with the strategy and consider its impact on our diverse group of member services across England. We will respond more fully in due course.

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Please note: this post is restricted to women under schedule 9, Part 1, Equalities Act 2010

JOB PURPOSE

The Health IDVA provides vital support to those affected by domestic abuse, helping them access the specialist services they need and navigate challenges in their daily lives. You will work directly with patients with a wide range of experiences and needs, offering advocacy, guidance, and practical support. A key part of the role is raising awareness among community healthcare professionals about the impact of domestic abuse, particularly on mental health, through training, guidance, and ongoing support, so that patients are identified earlier and supported more effectively.

This role addresses a need in community healthcare, where many patients are not recognised as survivors of domestic abuse. By combining domestic abuse expertise with a therapeutic approach, the Health IDVA will provide direct support to patients while helping community services and healthcare teams feel confident and equipped to respond appropriately. You will be supported by the Head of Adult Services and HIDVA Managers. You will have the opportunity to complete a formal domestic abuse qualification once you pass your probation (if not already qualified).

Through this work, the Health IDVA will help ensure that patients receive timely, compassionate support while also strengthening the skills, confidence, and understanding of community services and professionals. By building strong partnerships and sharing expertise, the role will contribute to a more coordinated and effective response to domestic abuse, ensuring that patients are supported at every stage and that services are better equipped to meet their needs.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Support to Survivors

• Hold a caseload of clients, including NHS staff.
• Ensure survivors are fully informed of their rights and options, and explain the criminal and civil legal remedies available to them.
• Promote enhanced safety and wellbeing for victim-survivors accessing community healthcare, including NHS staff.
• Conduct needs and risk assessments, including DASH (Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour Based Abuse Risk Assessment), to determine appropriate levels of support. Develop and implement safety plans collaboratively with clients to address their needs in a timely manner.
• Assist clients in accessing appropriate legal, financial, housing, medical, educational, and employment services, as well as counselling and community support networks.
• Work in partnership with police, housing providers, and other agencies to advocate for survivors and facilitate referrals to ongoing support services.
• Attend Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences when required (MARAC) and make referrals where appropriate.
• Recognise and address the needs of survivors who experience additional barriers to accessing services, including those from minority groups or with protected characteristics.
• Uphold safeguarding responsibilities for children, young people, and adults, in line with Child Protection Procedures and safeguarding policies.
• Maintain accurate client records, monitoring data, and outcome information. Prepare reports and evaluations as required for service monitoring.
• Participate in an out-of-hours rota, providing a HIDVA service within the hospital on Friday evenings and weekends as scheduled

Partnership Working and Training

• Promote the Health IDVA service and establish formal working links with GP practices and other healthcare providers (such as dental, health visiting or mental health teams.
• Attend safeguarding, handover and partnership meetings to raise awareness of the service and share our knowledge so earlier identification of domestic abuse within community healthcare settings can be achieved.
• Deliver training sessions to community healthcare staff to raise awareness of domestic abuse, safe enquiry and appropriately responding to disclosures.
• Contribute to multi-agency safeguarding meetings and local domestic abuse forums to share learning and strengthen partnership working.

General

• Uphold the values and good name of Rising Sun at all times represent the organisation in a way that is consistent with its philosophy and ethos and in line with all Rising Sun’s policies.
• Actively participate in clinical supervision, training and development opportunities.
• Develop your understanding of trauma informed work and embed in your day-to-day practice.
• Maintain an up-to-date working knowledge to be able to advise women of their rights and options for seeking help and support from other agencies, such as housing options, legislation and welfare.
• Comply with organisational policies and procedures, including Safeguarding, Data Protection and Health and Safety.
• Undertake other duties and responsibilities in keeping with the nature of this post, as may be required from time to time.

This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time when it was drawn up and will be reviewed from time to time. Duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following experience, knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Qualifications

• Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) qualification (desirable)
• Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) qualification (desirable)
• Health qualification (desirable)

Knowledge and Experience

• At least 3 years’ experience of working with survivors of domestic abuse, including high risk clients, and assessing client risks and needs
• Experience of co-producing short- and longer-term risk management, safety and support plans with survivors and their children
• Experience of delivering training (desirable)
• Experience working with the police, social services and MARAC
• Experience of lone working and able to work on own initiative
• Experience working with people with mental health needs, substance misuse, other complex needs
• Experience of working in a hospital / healthcare setting (desirable)
• Knowledge of criminal and civil legal remedies and housing law relating to domestic abuse
• Knowledge of domestic abuse risk assessment tools including DASH and extensive understanding of the MARAC process
• A thorough understanding of safeguarding relating to adults with care and support needs and children
• Up to date knowledge of the welfare benefits system and the ability to ensure service users maximise their benefit entitlement (desirable)
• Knowledge of local services and DA Specialists across Kent & Medway (desirable)

Skills and attributes

• Ability to network face to face and virtually, to develop new contacts and partnerships
• Ability to train professionals on recognising domestic abuse and responding appropriately (desirable)
• Ability to motivate yourself and work independently on your own initiative
• Solution focused and creative in approaching new challenges
• Competent using Microsoft office programmes, in particular MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Passionate about the aim and principles of Rising Sun
• Committed to equal opportunities, safeguarding and maintaining confidentiality
• Able to drive and have access to a reliable car (post holder will be required to attend meetings and across our areas of work)
• Able to work some evenings and weekends
• Eligible to live and work in the UK

How to apply

If you feel that this role would be a good fit for you, please visit our website https://www.risingsunkent.com/get-involved/join-the-team to find downloadable copies of the job pack and application form and for further details about Rising Sun. Please demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the person specification in your personal statement.

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This post is restricted to women under schedule 9, Part 1, Equalities Act 2010

Overview

Rising Sun Domestic Violence and Abuse Service (Rising Sun) is an independent charity in Kent working to prevent domestic abuse and improve the lives of survivors and their children suffering from its effects. We have an ambitious vision for a world in which women and children live free from actual or threatened domestic abuse and all forms of violence.

Our team provide a range of services to adults and children who’ve experienced domestic abuse. We understand the impact of domestic abuse on survivors, so we listen to individual needs and respond in a trauma informed way. We provide one-to-one support and also deliver therapeutically informed group programmes to help survivors to recognise healthy/unhealthy behaviours in relationships and to understand the impact of domestic abuse. Bringing survivors together validates experiences and enables them to draw strength from one another.

As an Administrator, you will be a key member of our frontline team working alongside specialist domestic abuse workers and providing essential support as a valued member of the team.

You will be involved in a range of tasks that contribute to the smooth running of our services, including processing incoming referrals and answering our main office phoneline, dealing with referral queries as well as supporting survivors to access support. You will also be involved in coordinating our group programmes for survivors, and our One Stop Shop drop ins.

As the first point of contact for both professionals and survivors you will be instrumental in ensuring they feel heard and supported, through your empathetic and understanding response.

In addition to day to day administrative tasks, you will have the opportunity to attend training and learn about our domestic abuse services and the Rising Sun Framework which underpins everything we do. There are also regular team meetings and activities to promote wellbeing which are a great way to get to know your amazing colleagues.

We are looking for an organised, flexible and proactive individual who enjoys learning and is confident at following processes and using MS Word and Excel.

As part of our passionate and committed team of approximately 50 staff, our aspiration is that you will thrive and develop in this varied role. You will be contributing to the invaluable work of the Rising Sun and making a lasting difference to the lives of those who are impacted by domestic abuse.

Equal Opportunities

Rising Sun is an equal opportunities employer. We recognise intersecting identities, and value what having a diverse team brings, both in terms of effectively responding to client needs, and engaging with each other at work. We encourage applicants from all sections of the community; especially from minority groups, as we are on a journey to increase diversity in our team. Flexible working is available in most roles, and we strive to accommodate the needs of all applicants and team members.

Main duties and Responsibilities

Admin Tasks

• Process incoming referrals to our services
• Liaise with referrers and team members as required and respond to queries efficiently
• Coordinate participants and materials for survivor group programmes and team training sessions
• Coordinate the rota for One Stop Shop drop-ins
• Respond to enquiries received via our phone or admin email account
• Work as part of a team to ensure the phone line is answered at times advertised on our website and coordinate call-backs to survivors from DA workers if needed
• Provide one-off/short term support to survivors calling the phone line, such as listening, information about available services, basic safety planning, completing a referral form
• Input information to spreadsheets and our case management system
• Develop our administrative processes to improve effectiveness
• Work with and provide support to the wider team as required

General

• Uphold the core values of the Rising Sun and work towards our vision.
• Work professionally and to a high standard
• Demonstrate a personal commitment to continued professional development
• Protect the safety and security of the Rising Sun service users, team, volunteers and buildings, and the confidentiality of records and other information
• Uphold the rights of women, children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse
• Ensure the effective implementation of all Rising Sun’s policies and procedures, including Safeguarding Children, Safeguarding Adults and Data Protection.
• Work across teams and undertake such other duties, appropriate to the grade and nature of the work, as may reasonably be expected.

This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time when it was drawn up and will be reviewed from time to time. Duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following experience, knowledge, skills and personal qualities. (D = Desirable)

Experience

• Experience in an administrative role
• Experience working across different teams (D)
• Experience coordinating events/activities (D)
• Experience of working for a charity or not for profit organisation (D)
• Experience of supporting or providing advice to survivors of domestic abuse

Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent planning and organisation skills with the ability to prioritise
• Confident using MS Office including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Effective team working skills
• Good understanding of the dynamics of domestic abuse and its impact on survivors
• Confident using On Track, our case management system (D)

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about the aim and values of the Rising Sun
• Self-motivated and pro-active
• Solution focused and creative in approaching new challenges
• Committed to equal opportunities, safeguarding and maintaining confidentiality
• Able to attend occasional evening and weekend events with notice to further the aims of the organisation (time off in lieu will be given)

Please download and fill out an application form from our website: https://www.risingsunkent.com/get-involved/join-the-team if you feel that this role would be a good fit for you, demonstrating how you meet the requirements of the person specification in your personal statement.

If you have any questions about your application or wish to discuss the role further please contact Emma Threadingham at emma19@risingsunkent.com or 07394567034.

For further information about Rising Sun and to generally inform your application, you may find the following pages of our website useful:

• About us: https://www.risingsunkent.com/about-us
• Our values and framework: https://www.risingsunkent.com/about-us/our-framework
• Get involved: https://www.risingsunkent.com/get-involved
• News: https://www.risingsunkent.com/news

We request no contact from agencies or media sales please.

The post Administrator appeared first on Women’s Aid.

Child Support Worker Job Description

Designation: Child Support Worker

Hours: 30 hours over 4 days Mon-Fri

Salary = £26,824 – £27,694 pro rata

Reporting to: Refuge Manager/Family Inclusion Lead

WHWR works with women and children to overcome the trauma of witnessing or experiencing domestic abuse. Child Support Workers help children to rebuild their lives. They support children to process their thoughts and feelings along with supporting mothers to re-establish their bond with their child following abuse.

Job Role:

·       To deliver a trauma-informed program of support for children living in refuge after experiencing domestic abuse.

·       To empower children to build positive relationships.

·       To give children a voice and help them understand their emotions.

·       To develop each child’s interests and create an environment where they can relax and have fun.

·       To run trauma informed play sessions and plan and deliver celebrations, trips/outings for children and young children with their families.

·       To be able to adapt to fluctuating needs of children, including children with special educational needs, mental health needs and challenging behaviour.

·       To build a supportive relationship with the mothers and liaise with them directly about their child’s achievements and challenges.

·       To ensure safeguarding matters related to vulnerable adults of children are brought immediately to the attention of the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

·       To maintain the security and wellbeing of residents within the premises and raise any breaches of security immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

·       To regularly communicate with other refuge staff, to contribute to weekly team meetings and be familiar with the day-to-day running of the refuge.

·       To adhere to WHWR policies and procedures.

·       To keep concise and accurate records on our electronic recording system which are updated in a timely manner and feature the voice of the child.

·       To undertake general refuge duties and accept delegated duties as appropriate.

·       To partake in our duty on call rota and be available for emergency response.

About You:

Our ideal candidate will enjoy working as part of a supportive team and be able to work collaboratively with families and professionals. You will have a can-do attitude, work with passion and drive and be able to think outside of the box to help our children and families feel safe, empowered and increase their overall wellbeing in their daily lives. You will work in a trauma informed way, with a holistic centred approach, assessing families’ individual needs to create tailored support plans to safeguard and reduce the risk of further harm, offering both practical and emotional support to families in both one to one and group settings and through partnership work.

You will have good written and verbal communication to help maintain accurate records and ensure these are reviewed with families to track their progress. Within this role you will promote inclusivity, adhere to standards such as safeguarding and confidentiality and work with integrity to make a difference to the lives of families and children accessing our services.

Full clean driving licence is essential.

Ability to cover on call on a rota basis

Enhanced DBS prior to start

28 days holiday pro rata + bank holidays

The post Child Support Worker appeared first on Women’s Aid.

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

“Four years ago this week, the Domestic Abuse Act received Royal Assent, becoming law. This landmark legislation has helped steer the national response to domestic abuse, introducing provisions in a wide range of areas, from housing to health and the family courts, reflecting the diversity of needs that survivors have when fleeing abuse, as well as the insidious nature of domestic abuse.  

While there has been a lot of positive change over the last four years, since the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Act, it is important that we recognise some of the limitations which continue to prevail, hindering survivors access to the support they so desperately need to heal from abuse.  

Underfunding has been an issue within the domestic abuse sector for decades, with subsequent government’s making insufficient investment that do not reflect the demand on specialist support services. This has resulted in a £321 million funding gap, which is putting the future of life-saving domestic abuse services at risk, and too many women and children at risk of harm. 

Alarmingly, 15% of respondents to our most recent Annual Audit, which analyses service provision for domestic abuse across the country, said they either had to close or reduce an area of work because of limited funds, impacting the support options available for survivors. Given that there is already a known national shortage of support services, and that 1.6 million women experienced abuse last year alone, this is deeply concerning.  

Despite having been recognised as survivors in their own rights legally since the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Act, funding issues have created significant barriers for children accessing support. Our Annual Audit 2025 found that 31.4% of organisations providing services for child survivors are operating without dedicated funding. Given that 1.8 million children experience domestic abuse last year alone, there is an urgent risk that without adequate investment in these services, the Government’s laudable commitment to halve violence against women and girls in a decade could see child survivors being left behind.   

Domestic abuse has a profound impact on the mental wellbeing and physical safety of children, which can have long-lasting effects if they are not given the proper support they need to heal and move forward. As the recent report from the Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s Office found, specialist support, which is centred around children and their needs, plays an essential role in reducing the impact of domestic abuse on children, making it essential for them to be properly supported as they move on and heal from abuse. Children’s experiences of support must reflect the recognition they legally have as survivors. 

Women’s Aid is calling on the government to commit to a minimum funding settlement of £516m per annum in England for specialist domestic abuse services, including a ring-fenced fund for ‘by and for’ services, in the upcoming multi-year spending review. As part of this we are urging the government to introduce a Children and Young People Support Fund of £46 million to ensure that all specialist domestic abuse services, as a minimum, have a dedicated Child Support Worker.  

Prior to the Domestic Abuse Act passing, the Ministry of Justice commissioned the Harm Panel Review, investigating issues within the family courts when it came to cases with domestic abuse. The Act was the first opportunity the previous government had to implement the recommendations of the Panel, and it is unacceptable that years on so many of the identified problems have been left unaddressed. These systemic issues, including the archaic presumption of parental contact, which is allowing dangerous perpetrators access to children, are continuing to put lives at risk.  

The current government have made a commitment to halve violence against women and girls over the next decade, but without the implementation of all the Harm Panel’s recommendations and proper funding, this target will be unreachable. Changes needed as a matter of urgency so that women and children can provide the support they need to not only heal, but to also seek the justice they so desperately deserve.”  

The post What still needs to change four years on from the Domestic Abuse Act? appeared first on Women’s Aid.

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This post is restricted to women under schedule 9, Part 1, Equalities Act 2010.

Rising Sun Domestic Violence and Abuse Service (Rising Sun) is an independent charity in Kent working to prevent domestic abuse and improve the lives of survivors and their children suffering from its effects. We have an ambitious vision for a world in which women and children live free from actual or threatened domestic abuse and all forms of violence.

Our team provide a range of services to adults and children who’ve experienced domestic abuse. We understand the impact of domestic abuse on survivors and so we listen to individual needs and respond in a trauma informed way. We provide one-to-one support and also deliver therapeutically informed group programmes to help survivors to recognise healthy/unhealthy behaviours in relationships and to understand the impact of domestic abuse. Bringing survivors together validates experiences and enables them to draw strength from one another.

As a Rising Sun Administrator you will be a key member of our frontline team working alongside specialist domestic abuse workers and providing essential support as a valued member of the team.

You will be involved in a range of tasks that contribute to the smooth running of our services, including processing incoming referrals and answering our main office phoneline, dealing with referral queries as well as supporting survivors to access support. You will also be involved in coordinating our group programmes for survivors, and our One Stop Shop drop ins.

As the first point of contact for both professionals and survivors you will be instrumental in ensuring they feel heard and supported, through your empathetic and understanding response.

In addition to day to day administrative tasks you will have the opportunity to attend training and learn about our domestic abuse services and the Rising Sun Framework which underpins everything we do. There are also regular team meetings and activities to promote wellbeing which are a great way to get to know your amazing colleagues.

We are looking for an organised, flexible and proactive individual who enjoys learning and is confident at following processes and using MS Word and Excel.

As part of our passionate and committed team of approximately 50 staff, our aspiration is that you will thrive and develop in this varied role. Working alongside our other Administrator and frontline team, you will be contributing to the invaluable work of the Rising Sun and making a lasting difference to the lives of those who are impacted by domestic abuse.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·         Admin Tasks

·         Process incoming referrals to our services

·         Liaise with referrers and team members as required and respond to queries efficiently

·         Coordinate participants and materials for survivor group programmes and team training sessions

·         Coordinate the rota for One Stop Shop drop-ins

·         Respond to enquiries received via our phone or admin email account

·         Work as part of a team to ensure the phone line is answered at times advertised on our website and coordinate call-backs to survivors from DA workers if needed

·         Provide one-off/short term support to survivors calling the phone line, such as listening, information about available services, basic safety planning, completing a referral form

·         Input information to spreadsheets and our case management system

·         Develop our administrative processes to improve effectiveness

·         Work with and provide support to the wider team as required

General

·         Uphold the core values of the Rising Sun and work towards our vision.

·         Work professionally and to a high standard

·         Demonstrate a personal commitment to continued professional development

·         Protect the safety and security of the Rising Sun service users, team, volunteers and buildings, and the confidentiality of records and other information

·         Uphold the rights of women, children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse

·         Ensure the effective implementation of all Rising Sun’s policies and procedures, including Safeguarding Children, Safeguarding Adults and Data Protection.

·         Work across teams and undertake such other duties, appropriate to the grade and nature of the work, as may reasonably be expected.

This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time when it was drawn up and will be reviewed from time to time. Duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following experience, knowledge, skills and personal qualities. (D = Desirable)

Experience

·         Experience in an administrative role

·         Experience working across different teams (D)

·         Experience coordinating events/activities (D)

·         Experience of working for a charity or not for profit organisation (D)

·         Experience of supporting or providing advice to survivors of domestic abuse (D)

Knowledge and Skills

·         Excellent planning and organisation skills with the ability to prioritise

·         Confident using MS Office including Word, Excel and PowerPoint

·         Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

·         Effective team working skills

·         Good understanding of the dynamics of domestic abuse and its impact on survivors (D)

·         Confident using On Track, our case management system (D)

Personal Qualities

·         Passionate about the aim and values of the Rising Sun

·         Self-motivated and pro-active

·         Solution focused and creative in approaching new challenges

·         Committed to equal opportunities, safeguarding and maintaining confidentiality

·         Able to attend occasional evening and weekend events with notice to further the aims of the organisation (time off in lieu will be given)

How to Apply

To apply for the role please download the job pack from our website: https://www.risingsunkent.com/get-involved/join-the-team, complete the application form, and return to recruitment@risingsunkent.com by Monday 14th April.

We will be screening applications and inviting suitable candidates to interview on a rolling basis so we advise applying early to avoid disappointment.

Contact Details

For further information visit our website and if you have any questions about your application or wish to discuss the role further please contact Emma Threadingham: emma19@risingsunkent.com or 01227 452852.

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Women’s Aid Annual Audit 2025: The 2025 edition of Women’s Aid annual publication provides an in-depth picture of the provision, usage and work of domestic abuse services in England during the 2023-24 financial year. The report demonstrates that whilst there have been some improvements in provision, the gap between provision and demand for domestic abuse services in 2023-24 is similar to previous years, if not slightly worse. During this period, the government investment fell £321 million short of the minimum £516 million needed to properly fund local specialist women’s domestic abuse services and the impact of this shortfall is evidenced in this report. 

© Women’s Aid, January 2025  

Please cite this report as: 
Women’s Aid. (2025) The Annual Audit 2025, Bristol: Women’s Aid. 

The post Annual Audit 2025 appeared first on Women’s Aid.