Domestic Abuse Alliance

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The DA Alliance brings together organisations working on the frontline of domestic abuse across the UK with the legal sector to deliver joined-up instant legal assistance and protection for victims.

01/09/2026

Domestic abuse can affect anyone and everyone should be able to access support and protection in a way that works for them.

When “Daniel”, a blind survivor, was referred to the Domestic Abuse Alliance through WEPROTECT, navigating the legal process presented additional barriers.

Much of the process relies on written information, so our casework team adapted the support around his individual needs - explaining documentation over the phone, reading his witness statement aloud and requesting a remote court hearing to make the process more accessible.

We have previously supported a Deaf survivor through the court order process with British Sign Language interpretation. Different circumstances require different approaches, but the principle remains the same: support should be shaped around the individual.

Domestic abuse does not discriminate. Women, men, LGBTQ+ people, disabled people and people with different communication or accessibility needs can all experience abuse.

At the Domestic Abuse Alliance, we believe everyone experiencing domestic abuse deserves to be heard, understood and able to access the support and protection they need.

Read Daniel’s story and how our team worked to remove barriers throughout the legal process: https://domestic-abuse.co.uk/accessible-domestic-abuse-support/

26/08/2026

Sometimes, rebuilding confidence can begin with simply feeling safe enough to take that first step.

Chloe Cartwright is launching Lift The Weight, a new initiative offering free exercise sessions for women who have experienced domestic abuse.

Starting at Valhalla Gym in Redditch this September, the sessions are designed to create a private and supportive environment where women can exercise, connect with others and gradually rebuild their confidence. The programme will combine low-impact exercise with group discussions exploring topics such as body positivity and wellbeing.

Recognising that gyms can feel intimidating for some survivors, Chloe has taken additional steps to make the environment feel safe and accessible. Participants will have a private entrance, while privacy curtains and frosted windows will separate the sessions from the rest of the gym.

The idea was shaped by conversations with women affected by domestic abuse and Chloe’s own experience of seeing the impact abuse had on her mum, as well as other friends and family. Within just 24 hours of applications opening, 20 women had already signed up.

Recovery from domestic abuse can look different for everyone. Initiatives like Lift The Weight show how safe, community-led spaces can complement specialist support by helping survivors rebuild confidence, independence and connection as they move forward.

📖 Read the full story from BBC News here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2v372z3gvo

25/08/2026

Sometimes, a few words from someone we have supported say more than we ever could.

We recently received this feedback from a survivor supported by our caseworker, Maarya.

Behind every referral is someone navigating an incredibly difficult time. Having someone there to listen, explain the process and provide patient, compassionate support can make a real difference.

We’re incredibly proud of Maarya and our wider casework team for the care, kindness and dedication they bring to supporting victim-survivors every day.

Feedback like this is a powerful reminder of the difference compassionate and timely support can make.

21/08/2026

For women leaving prison with experiences of domestic abuse, release does not necessarily mean the end of vulnerability. Access to the right support, safe housing, social care and other services can all play an important role in rebuilding life in the community.

A new 20-month NIHR-funded study, led by Professor Michaela Rogers and Dr Loren Parton at The University of Sheffield, will explore the experiences and needs of women with histories of both domestic abuse and involvement in the criminal justice system.

Importantly, the research will place lived experience at its centre. Women with experience of domestic abuse and the criminal justice system will be trained as peer researchers, helping to co-facilitate focus groups across five women’s centres in England and Wales.

The study will also use Photovoice, a creative research method that enables participants to communicate aspects of their experiences through photographs, alongside interviews with policymakers, service providers and other professionals.

By exploring the barriers and factors that can affect access to support after prison, the research has the potential to build a stronger understanding of what effective resettlement looks like for women who have experienced domestic abuse.

🔗 Read more about the research:
https://sheffield.ac.uk/spir/news/prison-resettlement-and-domestic-abuse-qualitative-study-explore-womens-experiences-and-needs

20/08/2026

It was great to welcome Lisa and Mig from the NSPCC to the Domestic Abuse Alliance yesterday.

Lisa and Mig shared more about the NSPCC’s work supporting children and parents affected by domestic abuse, as well as the important role early intervention can play in reducing the longer-term impact of abuse on children and families.

We also learnt more about how the NSPCC works with children, parents and professionals to safeguard children, promote their wellbeing, and provide practical and emotional support.

Sessions like this help strengthen our understanding of the wider support available to families and ensure we can better support and signpost those who may benefit from additional help.

Thank you to Lisa and Mig for taking the time to visit us and share their knowledge with the team.

19/08/2026

For many people experiencing domestic abuse, a GP appointment, pharmacy visit or routine healthcare consultation may be one of the few opportunities they have to speak with a professional outside the home.

In an article for The Pharmacist, Tracey Bleakley, Interim Chief Executive of SafeLives, highlights the important role primary care professionals can play in recognising the signs of domestic abuse and creating safe opportunities for people to access support.

The figures underline why this matters. SafeLives data found that 56% of clients had visited their GP in the previous 12 months, averaging 6.2 appointments over the year, yet 76% of survivors reported that health professionals had never asked whether everything was OK at home.

Domestic abuse may not always present through visible injuries or direct disclosure. Repeated appointments, unexplained symptoms, changes in behaviour, anxiety, missed appointments or a partner who is consistently present can all form part of a wider picture.

For professionals, recognising these signs does not mean having to investigate or provide all the answers. A safe conversation, appropriate response and clear route to specialist support can help create an opportunity for earlier intervention.

Strengthening referral pathways between healthcare, community services and specialist domestic abuse support can help ensure that when someone feels able to speak about their experience, there is a clear route to the support and protection they need.

🔗 Read Tracey Bleakley’s full article in The Pharmacist:
https://www.thepharmacist.co.uk/in-practice/recognising-signs-of-domestic-abuse-in-primary-care-settings/

17/08/2026

Reports of intimate image abuse are rising, but new data obtained by Refuge highlights a significant gap between the number of offences recorded and cases resulting in charges.

Between July 2021 and February 2026, police forces in England and Wales recorded 21,905 intimate image abuse offences. Just 4.8% resulted in a charge or summons. Among forces able to provide specific data, recorded threats to share intimate images also increased by 344% between 2021/22 and 2024/25.

The reasons cases do not progress are complex. In cases where a suspect had been identified, 55.8% did not progress because the victim withdrew or was unable to continue supporting the investigation. This should not simply be viewed as disengagement. Fear, pressure and the threat of further disclosure can make it extremely difficult for victim-survivors to continue with an investigation, particularly where intimate image abuse forms part of a wider pattern of domestic abuse and coercive control. Evidential challenges are another significant factor, particularly when investigations involve complex digital evidence.

The findings highlight the importance of recognising technology-facilitated abuse within the wider context of domestic abuse. This is becoming increasingly important as technology evolves, including the growing use of AI-generated images and videos. Professor Clare McGlynn, a leading academic on image-based sexual abuse, has highlighted the continuing gap between protections available in law and what is being prosecuted in practice.

Intimate image abuse is not simply a digital offence. Understanding the wider context in which it takes place is vital to ensuring victim-survivors are taken seriously, appropriately safeguarded and supported when they come forward.

🔗 Read the full Police Professional article:
https://policeprofessional.com/feature/closing-the-intimate-image-abuse-gap/

14/08/2026

West Mercia Police has provided 100 ‘grab bags’ to local councils for people who have had to flee their homes due to domestic abuse.

Put together by officers in the Prevention Hub and funded by the PC Fund, the bags have been distributed to Shropshire Council, Telford & Wrekin Council, Herefordshire Council and Worcestershire County Council, with each receiving 25 bags.

Each bag contains essential items including toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, night clothes and socks, providing practical support for those who may have had to leave home with very few belongings.

Inspector Jodie Davies said that for many victims of domestic abuse, deciding to leave can be one of the most difficult steps they take, and the bags are intended to provide immediate comfort and essential items at a time of crisis.

The initiative highlights how practical support can make a difference for those having to leave their homes in difficult circumstances.

Read the full article: https://www.shropshirelive.com/news/2026/08/05/police-fund-grab-bags-for-those-fleeing-domestic-abuse/

13/08/2026

A new Male Ally Network has been launched in Cornwall, encouraging men and boys to play a more active role in challenging behaviours and attitudes that contribute to violence against women and girls.

In a new guest blog published by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Head of Communications and Public Affairs Ben Woolvin reflects on why he is signing up to become a male ally and why conversations between men, families and communities are an important part of the initiative.

The scale of the issue remains significant. During one week in July alone, Devon & Cornwall Police recorded 468 domestic abuse crimes, alongside reports of stalking, harassment and other offences.

The new Male Ally Network aims to equip members and champions with training, confidence and skills to challenge unwanted behaviours, encourage positive behaviour and have conversations about attitudes towards women and girls.

The blog also highlights how differently safety can be experienced by men and women. One example shared at the network's launch involved a father who had not realised the precautions his daughter routinely took when travelling alone until they spoke about her experiences.

Encouraging more conversations around healthy attitudes, respect and positive behaviours is an important part of raising awareness and helping to prevent violence against women and girls.

🔗 Read the full blog and find out more about the Male Ally Network: https://devonandcornwall-pcc.gov.uk/why-im-signing-up-to-be-a-male-ally-of-women-and-girls

12/08/2026

A small ribbon. A big movement.

Real change often starts with something small.

A conversation.
A commitment.
A single act of support.

Our limited-edition crochet White Ribbon pins are more than a symbol. Each one sponsors a row of our Together We Mend blanket, a collaborative artwork representing healing, hope, and the journey of rebuilding life after domestic abuse.

Every pin purchased also helps support White Ribbon UK's work to prevent violence against women and girls, with all proceeds from pin sales being donated to the charity.

There are just 200 pins available, each representing one of the blanket's 200 rows.

Join us in helping stitch together a future free from violence.

🧶 Purchase your crochet White Ribbon pin:
🔗 https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/together-we-mend

📖 Learn more about Together We Mend and how you can get involved:
🔗 https://domestic-abuse.co.uk/white-ribbon-day-2026-together-we-mend/

Together, we mend. Together, we protect.

Address

Watford
AL35DR

Telephone

+448001017110

Website

http://www.domestic-abuse.co.uk/

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