Farah Nazeer, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, comments:   
 
“Today marks the fifth anniversary since the horrific rape and murder of Sarah Everard. Her murder, by a serving police officer, exposed the entrenched misogyny within the police force, leaving countless women fearful of those who are meant to protect them. Since that day, whilst some action has been taken to improve the police response to violence against women and girls (VAWG), significantly more must be done, as the misogyny remains rooted and systemic.   
 
“If we are to see true change, we need a radical cultural shift where police proactivity in engaging with specialists and survivors is the norm, as opposed to the exception or the pilot. For us this will be the litmus test of a changed culture which will deliver for survivors of VAWG.   
 
“We continue to hear that survivors are experiencing poor and unsupportive responses from the police and the broader criminal justice system, with many choosing not to report the crimes against them for fear of not being believed. This is even more acute for Black, minoritised and migrant women whose collective experiences of interacting with the police compound this fear.  
 
“If this is to ever change, the government must work with specialist organisations, like Women’s Aid and the survivors that inform us, to develop training that addresses sexism, misogyny and VAWG, which then must be delivered to the width and breadth of the criminal justice system. A complete, system-wide holistic reform of the police, and across all sectors of the justice system is needed to ensure that women are protected from predatory men.    
 
“Despite the government accepting recommendations made by investigations such as the Angiolini inquiry, progress to implement them has been far too slow. In September 2025 more than a quarter of police forces in England and Wales had still not implemented basic policies for investigating sexual offences and we are yet to see active engagement with domestic abuse organisations across the country. Until we see this cultural shift in approach by police forces, we will not see meaningful change.  
 
“The government has made the deeply welcome pledge to halve VAWG in the next decade – for this goal to become a reality, there must be a whole-system response, going beyond the reforms to the criminal justice system alone. Since Sarah’s murder, we have heard countless announcements, reports, reviews and commitments being made, but what we truly need now is action. Sarah, as well as countless women who lost their lives to violent, predatory men, deserve more.” 

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Policy and Practice Officer

Location: Remote with regular travel to  London
Salary: £29,450 (Grade 3) per year (plus Inner London Weighting of £3,483.94, if eligible)
Length of contract:  Permanent
Hours per week: 37.4
Closing date: We reserve the right to adapt the advert at any time per organisational circumstances and to close this vacancy early for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Interviews: Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis

Who are Women’s Aid?

Women’s Aid is the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. We are a federation of just under 180 organisations which provide over 300 local lifesaving services to women and children across England. For 50 years we have campaigned on behalf of our members and survivors to shape policy and practice, and to raise awareness of domestic abuse.

Our support services, which include  the Survivors’ Forum, the No Woman Turned Away Project, the Survivor’s Handbook, Love Respect (our dedicated website for young people), the national Women’s Aid Directory and our advocacy projects, help thousands of women and children every year.

Purpose of the Policy and Practice Officer: 

As a Policy and Practise Officer, the successful candidate will play an integral role in engaging with local stakeholders, local authorities and commissioners as well as on high profile national policy issues. Working closely with the Policy and Practice Manager the successful appointee will support Women’s Aid’s busy and dynamic Policy team with its work. You will also support the implementation of the Domestic Abuse Act and identify how Women’s Aid can engage with Integrated Care Systems. This role is expansive and will see to local stakeholder engagement and co-ordination. Including and not limited to planning events, reactive and proactive communications, supporting briefings and policy work. In this role, you will have the ability to work on high-profile domestic abuse issues, a dedicated line manager who will support you and oversee your work, an experienced Policy team to work alongside and learn from, and the chance to work with people from across Women’s Aid and the violence against women and girls (VAWG) sector, hear from experts, and attend workshops, training and webinars.

Key duties and responsibilities of the Policy and Practice Officer:

• Policy – Lead on designing and delivering a programme of engagement with key local stakeholders such as councillors, police and crime commissioners, managing our Domestic Abuse Councillor Network, drafting regular newsletters and regularly meeting with relevant stakeholders.
• Support the Policy Manager to identify important identifying influencing, training and funding opportunities for member services and the organisation.
• Monitor and stay up to date on local politics, ensuring a good understanding of local government is maintained and keeping the Policy & Survivor Services team updated on key developments.
• Ensure Women’s Aid member services have up to date and accurate information on the Domestic Abuse Act and other relevant legislation, supporting their front-line responses to survivors. This would include writing briefings for a range of audiences, delivering policy related events and attending meetings on behalf of Women’s Aid.
• Support the Policy Manager in responding to a range of policy requests from local and national government and Parliament where appropriate.
• Contribute to the team’s policy development through supporting with responses to policy requests (e.g. Government consultation responses, evidence submissions) from local and national government, and Parliament where appropriate.
• Practice • Lead on the delivery of written communication, including writing newsletters, resources, correspondence, and other content for stakeholders, ensuring effective and responsive engagement with local and regional stakeholders across the policy and practice team.
• Organise and support the Policy Manager to convene a range of events, including workshops for members, commissioners and local authorities on relevant policy developments or pieces of legislation.
• Support the Policy and Survivor Services team to respond to reactive communications, including from local authorities, commissioners and member services, leading on this directly where appropriate.
• Efficiently manage stakeholder relationships and maintain accurate, up-to-date records
  of all engagement activities.
• Coordination- Support the Policy Manager to coordinate and organise the internal projects related to
  local engagement. This would include organising internal meetings, recording project
  activity, supporting the R&E with monitoring and evaluation.
• Support planning of the Policy and Survivor Services team’s work, ensuring project
  plans and documentation are kept up to date across the team.
• Monitor, evaluate and ensure accurate record keeping of work, including of
  correspondence logs, ensuring activity meets deadlines and information is accessible.
• Support the Policy & Survivor Services team with planning for key organisational and
  high-profile events such as our annual National Conference

What we are looking for in our Policy and Practice Officer:

• Attend relevant meetings and events, as required.
• Provide general administrative support to the Policy team as required, including attending meetings and taking minutes, deputising for the Senior Policy and Practice Officer where required.
• Abide by all organisational policies, codes of conduct and practice, and to work within a framework of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice.
• Contribute to team meetings and organisational priorities, and to participate in supervision and appraisal meetings
• Take direction on projects and priorities from your line manager, this may vary from
  time to time.
• Maintain clear and adequate records of work done.
• Be flexible within the broad remit of the post.

How to apply 

Please read the JDPS – Policy and Practice Officer before applying. You must specify in your email to us when applying that you meet the essential criteria. Follow this link: to complete your application form and upload your CV. 

Benefits of joining us as our Policy and Practise Officer include:

• Generous Annual Leave: 25 days + 2 Company Holidays + 8 UK Bank Holidays, with an extra 1 day per year after 1 year of service, up to a maximum of 5 additional days.
• Valuable Pension Benefits: a generous 7% employer contribution.
• Flexible Working: remote working, a generous TOIL scheme, and family-friendly policies
• Wellness and Support: including a cycle to work scheme, free optician check-ups, annual flu vaccines, access to a 24-hour employee assistance counselling helpline, a ‘Headspace’ app for mindfulness, and ‘Reflective Practice’ sessions.
• Making a Genuine Difference: in a rewarding role where your work will directly result in helping Women’s Aid to be able to provide lifesaving services for women and children across England.

NB:

• Women only need apply under schedule 9 (Part 1) of the Equality Act 2010
• If you have been shortlisted for interview, you will be informed by email.
• All posts, including remote posts, must be based in the UK.
• Women’s Aid is committed to quality, equality, and valuing diversity. Applications are particularly welcome from Black and minoritised women.
• Please read our Single Sex Statement on the Women’s Aid Website

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Let us introduce ourselves…

Black Country Women’s Aid (BCWA) is an established charity working across the Black Country and wider West Midlands providing accommodation and community support services to victims of domestic abuse, sexual abuse and human trafficking. Services range from advocacy, civil remedies, support in court, individual and group support and access to a range of therapeutic interventions. All services are client and needs led.

Community Services Directorate

Within this directorate the following vital services are delivered;

Black Country Women’s Aid Community Services include;

•              Community Domestic Abuse Support Services (Sandwell, Walsall and Dudley)

•              Black Country IRIS (primary care) educator and advocacy service

•              Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Services (Black Country)

•              Black Country Sexual Abuse Forum

•              Black Country Counselling Service

•              Domestic and sexual abuse Children and Young person’s service (Black Country)

•              West Midlands Stalking Service

•              Ask Marc (Male abuse referral centre)

This position is located within the Community Rape and Sexual Violence Service

The team:

The Rape and Sexual Violence Service is the largest specialist service provider in the Black Country, supporting victims and survivors of sexual abuse. The service offers support to anyone who has experienced rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse. Our specialist team combine sector expertise with a sound understanding of trauma, providing an exceptional service to our clients. As a service we are focused on proactively engaging clients to provide them with the support they require through their journey.

We have a team of ambitious, self-driven individuals who support each other. Teamwork, respect and solidarity is at the forefront of our ethos.

Job role

Job Title: Children’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (CHISVA)

Positions available: 1 full time position (37.5 hours, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm)

Salary: £24,310.04 – £27,751.55 (dependent upon qualifications and experience)

Closing date: 27 October 2025

All interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams

Is this you?

We are looking for a qualified/unqualified Children’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (CHISVA) to join our supportive Rape and Sexual Violence Service. If you are not qualified, this is an exciting training opportunity providing the appropriate training, support and guidance.

We are looking for an innovative candidate with experience of working with children and young people who have experienced sexual abuse.

This is a great opportunity for someone who loves working with children and young people, providing trauma focused support.

The role:

You will be working with children and young people, between the ages of 5 and 18, who are victims of sexual violence and sexual abuse.

You will be required to provide a high-quality frontline service to victims, ensuring that support is trauma informed and tailored to the individual needs of the child/young person.

You will be working within a multi-agency framework consisting of the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), Police, Court, Schools, Social Care and local partnership responses to sexual violence and sexual abuse.

If you are self-driven, conscientious, hardworking with lots of ambition we would love to hear from you.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please complete an online application form, providing examples/evidence for each of the criteria in the person specification and return to recruitment@blackcountrywomensaid.co.uk. Please see full job description for more information.

CVs will not be accepted.

Important information for all positions

Black Country Women’s Aid is committed to safeguarding and promoting then welfare of vulnerable adults, children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. It will be necessary for an enhanced disclosure to be made to the Criminal Records Bureau for details of any previous criminal convictions.

Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies. The post holder must be female.

Employment checks

As a responsible employer we adhere to safer recruitment practice and all our employees are subject to the following recruitment checks:

Right to work in the UK

Under Section 8 of the Asylum and Immigration Act, we, as a responsible employer need to ensure that we do not employ anyone illegally. To avoid discrimination we treat all job applicants equally.

We therefore ask all candidates selected for interview to bring original documentation to show their Right to Work in the UK. A copy of these will be taken. Once the successful candidate has been appointed the unsuccessful candidates documents will be destroyed confidentially. You may be refused an interview if you do not bring the correct documents with you.

References

Following your interview, two employment references will be sought. One of these should be your current or most recent employer.

If you have finished full time education and you have no employer reference, we will accept a reference from:

a professional from your centre of study, for instance a teacher, lecturer or headteacher
GP or health visitor
a character reference from a person who knows you
a civil servant from a government agency
a bank manager
 

DBS

All positions are subject to DBS checks at the relevant level.

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Sophie Francis-Cansfield, Head of Policy at Women’s Aid, said:

“Last week, the Government launched the pilot of Raneem’s Law, embedding domestic abuse specialists in the 999 control rooms of five forces across the country, with the aim of improving police responses to domestic abuse. While the role out of this pilot is a positive improvement, domestic abuse specialists must be included at all stages of police response, including the investigation process, to ensure that survivors are protected and perpetrators are held to account.

Women’s Aid are pleased to see that alongside the pilot, the Government are providing £2.2 million in funding for Raneem’s Law and an additional £13 million to establish a national policing centre for England and Wales, but funding commitments need to be made to the specialist domestic abuse services that support survivors and not just to policing.

In order for the Government to fulfil their pledge to halve violence against women and girls over the next 10 years, there needs to be a whole-system response, which as the National Police Chief’s Council have recognised, should go further than the criminal justice system alone. As the pilots expands, we need to see police working with their local service to ensure the best support can be accessed.”

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Isabelle Younane, Head of External Affairs at Women’s Aid, said:  

“There is no doubt that policing reforms are urgently needed to rebuild public trust in the institution that is supposed to protect us and instil confidence in their responses. However, today’s announcement does not do enough to address deep-rooted cultural issues nor to attend to the need for funding commitments in other areas that support survivors of domestic abuse. 

The Government has pledged to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the next decade, and while there are positive steps being taken to achieve this ambitious goal, such as a commitment to refresh the Tackling VAWG Strategy and invest in domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms, there continues to be silence on whether specialist VAWG services – which provide a lifeline to women and children experiencing abuse – will secure the urgent funding they need beyond March 2025. Specialist services continue to be chronically underfunded and unable to provide all survivors with the support they need.  

The funding commitments to policing made today confirm our concerns that the Government’s approach to their VAWG mission relies too heavily on criminal justice responses and ignores the importance of specialist services in not only supporting survivors but also in ensuring long-term recovery and preventing the reoccurrence of abuse.  

Several reports and investigations into police forces across the country over the last few years have found evidence of institutional misogyny and racism, which is leading to a failure to protect women and children, particularly those from Black, minoritised and migrant communities. Police forces must urgently accept Lady Angiolini’s recommendation to commit to being anti-sexist, anti-misogynist and anti-racist, including through mandatory training and involving specialist services in their recruitment and vetting processes.  

Women’s confidence in the police, and the wider criminal justice system is extremely low, with only 1 in 5 women reporting their experiences of abuse. As specialist domestic abuse and other VAWG services battle to plug the needs-gap this presents for some of the most vulnerable women in our society, we urge Government to recognise their importance and invest in their future.”

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Sophie Francis-Cansfield, Head of Policy at Women’s Aid, said:

“Women’s Aid is alarmed by new research findings from the Centre for Women’s Justice, which shows shocking levels of police perpetrated domestic abuse. Officers accused of domestic abuse are all too often facing promotion, not prosecution. Research like this highlights the urgent need for institutional reforms to policing, so that abusers are removed from their ranks and survivors are prioritised.

We know that there is an issue of deep-rooted misogyny and sexism within our police forces, which has resulted in women and girls being failed. Over the last few years, we’ve seen various policy commitments which aim to eradicate these toxic cultures, but in reality, there has been very little meaningful change. Reports from women continue to be ignored, while perpetrators are promoted into more powerful positions.

It is no surprise that women’s confidence in the police remains so low, with only 1 in 5 survivors reporting their experiences of abuse to the police. To strengthen women’s trust, they must feel safe enough to report abuse, but this will only be done if senior police leaders acknowledge a need for change, with a robust response to police perpetrators and improved responses to survivors and violence against women and girls more widely.

We echo calls from the Centre for Women’s Justice for more research into police perpetrated domestic abuse, in order to establish what actions need to be taken and how effective policies are at eradicating this heinous form of violence against women and girls.”

Notes:

• You can read the full report – Police Perpetrated Domestic Abuse: Has anything really changed since the 2020 super-complaint by the Centre for Women’s Justice here.

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On Wednesday (17th) and Thursday (18th) of this week, Women’s Aid hosted their annual National Conference at the Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre in Birmingham. The conference, titled ‘Festival of Women’s Aid’ in celebration of the organisation’s 50th anniversary, united federation members with a wide range of leading voices from the domestic abuse sector and beyond.

Women’s Aid staff, expert speakers, and survivors came together to mark a year of actions and considered how we can #EndAbuseTogether, with a wide range of keynotes, panels, and workshops, centred around building an inclusive federation as we work towards a future were no woman or child experience domestic abuse.

With this year marking the golden anniversary of Women’s Aid as an organisation, the event looked back on and celebrated the achievements of the domestic abuse sector over the last 50 years which has changed the response to domestic abuse, while also looking towards what still needs to happen in the next half a decade for domestic abuse no longer exist.

Throughout the conference, Women’s Aid highlighted the importance of the government investing in specialist domestic abuse service, enhancing training and education in statutory services like the police, and in challenging misogynistic societal attitudes. The formation of a new government who are committed to halving violence against women and girls in a decade presents an opportunity for meaningful change that supports our mission to end the national emergency that is domestic abuse in England, but only if the correct action is taken.

The conference hosted an incredible line up of keynote speakers, who valuable insight into the issue of domestic abuse, how it can be overcome, and why we are all tirelessly committed to doing the work we do and ending violence against women and girls. Speakers included Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips MP in her first Ministerial Visit, Rt Hon Harriet Harman KC, former MP for Camberwell and Peckham and former Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Gisela Valle, Director of Latin American Women’s Right Services (LAWRS), and Selma Taha, Executive Director of Southall Black Sisters. Yasmin Javed, Campaigner and Mother of Fawziyah Javed, gave a moving joint address with Natasha Rattu, Director of Karma Nivana, about the tragic murder of her daughter Fawziyah and the need for a statutory definition of honour-based abuse.

Special guests Melanie Brown MBE, Women’s Aid Patron, and Kelle Bryan Loose Women presenter and Actor, also attended the event, joining discussions and having heart warming moments with delegates.

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

“The Women’s Aid annual National Conference is a landmark event which brings together members of the federation, with leading voices from the sector and the public, to look at how we can #EndAbuseTogether.

This year, being our 50th anniversary, we looked back on how far the sector has come, celebrating our successes, while also looking towards the future and the challenges we must still overcome. Lots of progress since Women’s Aid was founded but we need to see the government committing to more investment and more education, if domestic abuse is to be overcome for good.

I would like to thank all the speakers and panellists, as well as the delegates who attended, for their participation in the Festival of Women’s aid. It is events like these give me hope that, if we are united, we will end domestic abuse.

Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips said:

“It was an honour to speak at the Women’s Aid Conference on their 50th anniversary.

Women’s Aid is such a special organisation, not just to me personally, but to everyone whose lives it has touched. Their work has had an immense impact on victims of domestic abuse, on justice for women, and on the way that we think about violence against women and girls.

I believe passionately that change is needed and that until it is achieved, we cannot rest. Our mission is to halve violence against women and girls in the next decade – it’s time we treat tackling violence against women and girls as the national emergency that it is.

Rt Hon Harriet Harman KC, said

“It was an honour to be invited to speak at the Women’s Aid national conference, in such as historic year for the organisation, as it celebrates 50 years of pioneering for change and advocating for survivors. The work of Women’s Aid, and the wider Women’s Movement over the last half a century, is something that should be look at with great pride, for it has had such a positive impact on the lives of women across the country.

While a lot has changed over the past half a century in for women and children who experience domestic abuse, there is still progress to be made.  I hope that in the years ahead we will see an even stronger and united force of women and our male allies working actively together across councils and parliament, employers and unions, the Criminal Justice System and in our schools to banish the spectre of domestic abuse.”

Natasha Rattu, the Executive Director at Karma Nirvana, said:

“It was an incredible honour to speak at the Women’s Aid National Conference, especially on such a significant occasion marking 50 years of Women’s Aid. The stories and experiences shared today reinforce the critical nature of our #Push4Change campaign, and this platform allowed us to highlight the urgent need for a statutory definition of Honour Based Abuse. We must ensure that there is a clear, comprehensive understanding of Honour Based Abuse to adequately support victims and hold all perpetrators accountable, which starts with a statutory definition and guidance. The solidarity and commitment I witnessed today gives me hope for real change, for both victims and survivors.”

Selma Taha, Executive Director of Southall Black Sisters, said:

“As the Executive Director of Southall Black Sisters, I was honoured to participate in the Women’s Aid Conference. This gathering is a crucial platform for addressing the pressing issues faced by women, particularly those from marginalised communities. It is through collective efforts and shared knowledge that we can drive meaningful change and ensure that every woman, regardless of her background, has access to safety, support, and justice. Together, we are stronger, and together, we will continue to fight for a world free from violence and discrimination.”

Gisela Valle, Director of Latin American Women’s Right Service (LAWRS), said:

“It was fantastic joining the Women’s Aid Conference in the context of the organisations 50th anniversary. It presented a great opportunity to reflect on the effective responses that address the intersectional needs of survivors as we look towards the future, including the necessity to develop strong partnerships and collaborations, and combat intersecting forms of oppression. The conference allowed us to take stock and celebrate the work of those who have come before us, those who work alongside us, and those who will come after us.”

Notes:

• The full programme for the conference can be found here: https://womensaid.org.uk/get-involved/national-conference-2024/programme/
• For images, please contact press@womensaid.org.uk.

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The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (Act) received Royal Assent on 29th April 2021. The Act is now widely regarded to be a ‘landmark’ piece of legislation, but we rarely expand beyond that assertion to reflect on why, or how much the Act has helped us to tackle domestic abuse.  

The Act was undoubtedly important in delivering a step change in our national response to domestic abuse. It introduced 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 – permeating every aspect of a victim’s life. Women’s Aid was immensely proud to campaign alongside sister organisations, activists, member services, government officials, dedicated parliamentarians, and most importantly, survivors, to secure key changes to the legislation.  

Three years following the passing of the Act, all but one of the 91 provisions have been established in law – but what has really changed for survivors? 

Access to Justice 

Although the Act provides greater assistance for survivors giving evidence in family, civil and criminal court proceedings, the court system is overborne with cases and unable to meet the significant number of requests for special measures. The measures are further inhibited by a lack of basic infrastructure. Remarkably, in many cases special measures simply cannot be implemented due to limited court facilities in outdated buildings.  

The lack of capacity and resources is also proving detrimental to the Qualified Legal Representatives (QLR) scheme, which is intended to prevent an alleged victim being questioned in court by their alleged abuser. In one case, 120 attempts were made to find a QLR. 

This means that tragically survivors continue to describe the court process as leaving them re-traumatised and the presumption of parental involvement allows perpetrators to continue controlling victims through the courts and use the system as a tool for their abuse.  

The legislative scope of the Act 

The Act introduced a statutory definition of abuse, recognising children as victims in their own right, which sits alongside comprehensive statutory guidance that places greater emphasis on non-physical forms of abuse. And yet, whilst the guidance explores abuse in all its forms, the Act pays comparatively little attention to the mental health support needs of survivors. The omission of migrant survivors and additional forms of abuse such as ‘honour’-based abuse in the legislation, also means that countless women from Black and minoritised backgrounds are left without adequate support or understanding of their experiences.  

We know that countless migrant women continue to suffer abuse in silence, for fear of their immigration status being disclosed to the Home Office by police and remain shut out from accessing safety and support.  

To equip professionals and wider society with the knowledge of domestic abuse, in all its forms, to respond effectively to survivors’ needs, it is clear that further guidance and training is needed across the police, court professionals and other statutory agencies.  

Housing 

Women and children escaping domestic abuse need safe refuge and stable housing. Gatekeeping practices and a lack of understanding around the mechanics of domestic abuse unfortunately continue to inhibit the implementation of vital new protections for survivors accessing social housing.  

Despite new provisions under the Act that grant survivors ‘priority need’ status in social housing applications, survivors continue to report being denied access to affordable accommodation or being forced onto year-long waiting lists. We often see cases where housing authorities demand evidence of ‘physical violence’ to qualify for applications to social housing or other forms of support, or to have ‘corroboration’ of the abuse from the police.  

There is also still a desperate need to reform outdated joint tenancy laws, which currently require survivors to obtain consent from their abuser to end a joint tenancy and stay in their own home – a policy that the Government consulted on over two years ago and has yet to publish its response.  

Whereas those who stay within their own homes face significant housing barriers, and are often left ‘trapped’ with their abuser, for women that need to leave, accessing social housing can be very challenging. Currently, social housing allocation policies can often, unfairly, determine whether a woman is able to safely leave an abusive relationship despite guidance to local authorities on the need to disapply ‘local connection’ tests for applications from survivors fleeing abuse.  

The overreliance on the individual will or domestic abuse expertise of staff in local authorities, owing to the significant discretionary powers that they hold in determining who is eligible for local connection or other exemptions, has proven to be ineffective in guaranteeing survivors access to social housing when fleeing to a new area. 

It is of serious concern to Women’s Aid that whilst the Government is yet to publish its response to its consultation – launched over two years ago – on introducing regulations that exempt survivors from local connection requirements for social housing, new measures are being proposed which would further restrict access to safe and suitable accommodation for survivors of domestic abuse.  

Funding 

Part 4 of the Act placed a legal duty on councils to fund domestic abuse in safe accommodation. The duty which was designed to uphold and stabilise a chronically underfunded national network of lifesaving refuges, has had mixed effects. Whilst some councils have assumed their new duties with a commitment to honouring the guidance, much of the funding has been diverted away from the very services we hoped the duty would revive. 

Around a quarter of specialist refuge services, and less than half of those provided ‘by and for’ Black and minoritised women, in England were not commissioned by their local authority in 2022-23 according to our research.  

Whilst there’s been an increase in the funding available for refuge services, we are concerned about trends in the data, indicating a diversion of funds, away from specialist services, and towards large generic organisations, which often have next to no experience in domestic abuse, or the accredited quality standards need to qualify as a form of ‘safe accommodation’. In some cases, the statutory funding is used to set up services ‘in-house’, meaning domestic abuse support is provided by professionals in the council.  

Survivors escaping domestic abuse continue to report serious safety concerns when they can’t access specialist support. Women interviewed by the Office for National Statistics in temporary forms of accommodation were denied access to basic rights, felt isolated and depressed and were frightened for the safety of themselves and their children.  

The severe challenges with local authority budgets – with rising numbers of councils issuing Section 114 notices – are a further huge threat to the future of specialist domestic abuse support services.   

What needs to change? 

With three years to monitor the implementation of the Act, it’s abundantly clear that funding and legislation alone will not suffice in the fight against domestic abuse. Around one in four women have experienced domestic abuse since the age of 16 and at least one woman a week is killed by a male partner or ex-partner. The statistics and insights from Women’s Aid’s national datasets, as well as the harrowing stories that continue to punctuate the news, tells us that we need a seismic shift in our approach to domestic abuse. But to do this, we need to coordinate a response that addresses the structural causes of domestic abuse and extends beyond the criminal justice system.  

What do we mean by this?  

Firstly, we need more than prevention programmes to intervene earlier. Currently, ongoing failures in the criminal and family courts to protect survivors; harm posed by police who are tasked with supporting women; alongside a severe lack of funding for specialist support services and prevailing misogynist attitudes means that, we have a system, which effectively, empowers perpetrators to abuse, and a society that tolerates it, which meanwhile dissuades or disempowers survivors from accessing the support they need to leave them.  

To prevent domestic abuse, we need to disarm perpetrators from their armoury of tools. Survivors need to have confidence that they can access the appropriate support they need to leave. And this requires a society that’s ‘levelled up’ in its response to domestic abuse. It also demands increased leadership accountability to address the police, health, and welfare responses to domestic abuse, working in partnership with specialist organisations and backed by sufficient funding and training. And this must unequivocally include migrant survivors.  

Above all, we need a national network of sustainably funded specialist domestic abuse services to help women rebuild their lives and live free from abuse. 

The funding and sustainability of these services remains a severe challenge which leaves women and children fleeing abuse unable to access the life-saving support. Existing funding is not only inadequate and short-term, but it also too often fails to go where it’s needed – sadly, due to poor local commissioning practices, funding can be awarded to large, generic services that are ill-equipped to provide the expert support that survivors urgently need.  

Womens specialist services understand and actually address the needs of survivors. They grew from the feminist movement of the 1970s and they have developed unparalleled experience and expertise in domestic abuse and wider forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG). Specialist services led ‘by and for’ Black and minoritised women, Deaf and disabled women and LGBT+ survivors are uniquely able to meet the needs of the survivors they support, providing a place of true safety and understanding for the groups experiencing additional forms of inequalities.  

These services are incredibly valuable not only to the women and children they support but to the whole of society. Women’s Aid estimates that properly funding, specialist domestic abuse services, in England would cost around £427 million per year which is a drop in the ocean compared to the £78 billion that domestic abuse costs society a year. Our research has also found that for every £1 invested in these services, £9 is generated in benefits to the taxpayer. This means we could save the public purse as much as £23 billion a year if the government stopped the current short-term, piecemeal patchwork of funding and committed to investing in this national infrastructure of support for women and children.    

Ultimately, survivors need a whole-system response – where all parts of society, government departments and agencies work together to increase the safety and freedom of survivors. For the Domestic Abuse Act to help us deliver this, it needs to extend its legislative scope to include all survivors, namely migrant women, and be accompanied by efficient funding and stronger accountability for the agencies tasked with its implementation.  

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