New projects

A fresh perspective on tackling domestic abuse

For all the progress made to address domestic abuse, there is much work still to be done to end it. An innovative, holistic and collaborative approach is required. With that in mind, Stop Domestic Abuse this year launched four exciting new projects to create healthier, safer communities.

Ask Me is a communitybased training programme designed to break the silence about domestic abuse. Members of the community receive 12 hours’ free training to learn how to challenge myths about domestic abuse and victim blaming attitudes expressed by people in their network.

Participants are empowered to take a proactive role in raising awareness of domestic abuse in their communities, so that anyone experiencing domestic abuse feels able to speak out and access the support they need from Stop Domestic Abuse and other specialist services. Part of Ask Me is funded by Women’s Aid.

The Health Advocacy Project

aims to improve support for patients who disclose domestic abuse to hospital staff. Delivered in partnership with Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Domestic Abuse Health Advocates are positioned in the A&E and maternity departments of Winchester and Andover hospitals.

These advocates work with health professionals to improve their knowledge, confidence and processes when there is a suspicion of domestic abuse with a patient and to increase referrals into the commissioned services. The advocates also provide frontline support to patients affected by domestic abuse, by assisting them in safety planning and referring them to specialist domestic abuse services.

Ask Me and The Health Advocacy Project represent part of the South Coast Making Safe scheme: a collection of Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) funded projects, in partnership with Hart District Council. MHCLG also funded two of our other new projects, in partnership with Portsmouth City Council:

Up2U: My Choice supports domestic abuse victims with complex needs, who display unhealthy attitudes and behaviours that increase their likelihood of entering another abusive relationship. Facilitators use motivational interview techniques to build trust with clients and help them break the cycle of negative self-talk, conflict management and/or substance misuse. The holistic programme is tailored to each client’s individual needs. Modules include: exploring relationship dynamics (romantic, friendship, familial and professional); gender values, attitudes and stereotypes; and recognising and managing emotions.

The Mental Health Advocacy

Project provides domestic abuse survivors in Portsmouth and Havant with short and long-term mental health support. The Mental Health Support Worker (MHSW) helps refuges to safely welcome more people with additional mental health needs and provides specialist support for these clients to settle into their new community – preventing relapse at an emotionally-challenging time.

The MHSW offers one-to-one support to women, children and young people in refuges and in the community, as well as encouraging peer support through group sessions, such as mindfulness. Additionally, the MSHW trains Stop Domestic Abuse staff to support victims with mental health issues.