Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service

More than 3,000 domestic abuse victims helped in Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service, an organisation commissioned by the county council, has supported 3,002 victims of domestic abuse in one year and is seeing an increase in referrals.

The first year of working with Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) has helped more than 3,000 people achieve and maintain independent living, by protecting and safeguard people from experiencing domestic abuse at the earliest opportunity.

In July 2013, GDASS began a three year contract with the county council to deliver the support needed to victims of domestic abuse.

GreenSquare Group, in partnership with local charity Splitz Support Service, has now successfully completed the first year of the contract.

By providing an outreach service in all districts, GDASS aims to reduce the number of high risk cases and risk of harm to all victims of domestic abuse.

They provide support to people in crisis, specifically where victims are forced to flee their homes and support survivors through the courts, ensuring they feel safe during this process.

The service also delivers a number of programmes to support survivors in the longer term, by helping them to build confidence and self esteem, and equipping them with the necessary tools to give them the capability to overcome what they have been through and rebuild their lives.

Sally Morrissey, Support Services Manager at GDASS, said: “A number of high profile cases in the county have meant that the issue of domestic abuse has never been so prevalent in the minds of the public. We receive thousands of referrals each year and the numbers of referrals continues to rise as awareness of our service increases.

“Where possible, we work with victims to help them and their children to stay safely in their own homes; offering access to legal advice and other specialist support agencies – where this is not possible, we can help people to find a place of safety.”

Cllr Kathy Williams, cabinet member for commissioning at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Protecting victims of domestic abuse is a priority for us and one year in we’re pleased with the service GDASS has provided.

“It’s so important to commission a service that offers support and guidance to some of the most vulnerable people in our county. It’s a positive sign to see the number of referrals increasing as it shows us that more and more victims are finding their voice.”

Fran Lewis MBE, Executive Director of Splitz Support Service, said “It is a great privilege to provide these specialist services, which make a significant difference to the health and safety of people needing support at a very difficult time in their lives.

“We believe strongly that dealing with the issue of domestic abuse is not the sole responsibility of any single organisation. We are passionate about working together with other providers in the county to achieve a co-ordinated community response to the problems.”

Case study

Jane contacted Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) at a very low point in her life, she had been in an abusive relationship for 22 years and although she had been offered support in the past she had never felt able to take it up.

She stayed with her abusive husband to not disrupt the lives of her three children.

She didn’t want to remove them from their schools and friends.

Jane was also scared; her husband had said that if she ever tried to leave him he would make sure she never saw her children again.

Jane was subjected to regular physical attacks throughout her marriage and had to attend A&E at least three times. On one occasion the police were called by her neighbours, but Jane would not press charges because she feared for her safety if she did.

On top of the physical abuse, Jane wasn’t allowed to have friends or visit family.

She felt alone and as though her whole life was controlled by her abuser.

Jane decided that as her children had grown up and left home she wanted to do something to change.

She picked up the phone and called GDASS.

Jane said: “When I made that call to GDASS I was so low I felt there was no way out for me.

“The lady at the end of the phone made me feel that I had done the right thing and that I could change things with some help.

“I was allocated a support worker who made me feel that I was being listened too. She didn’t judge me, and she gave me the strength to separate from my husband. She helped me turn my life around.

“I now have a part time job can go where I want, to see who I want. I’m a new person and getting in touch with GDASS was the best thing I could have done.”