Our DASAs are trained specialists to support and empower victim/survivors of domestic abuse. We contact the current or ex-partners of those in our perpetrator programmes to create safety plans and ongoing support.
Our team of Domestic Abuse Safety Advisors (DASAs) are trained specialists who offer confidential and non-judgemental advice to the victim/survivors of the people causing harm attending one of our domestic abuse interventions. Each victim/survivor is designated a DASA to assess their risk of violence or abuse from the current or former partner. The DASA then makes contact with the service user attending one of our programmes and confidentially communicates with the practitioner working with them the risk concerns of the victim/survivor. DASAs feedback clear, factual and practical information in a supportive and non-judgemental space to the victim/survivor. This means every time RISE facilitators work with a service user on a programme addressing domestic abuse, they will ensure that support is offered to the partner.
The victim/survivor voice is so important. Due to this, a service will be offered to the victim that provides safety planning information and support whilst the service users are attending the programme. This includes a holistic family approach which prioritises the safety and wellbeing of their children as well. Our DASAs work with a variety of agencies to ensure the victim/survivor receive all the necessary support to overcome their traumatic experiences and to plan for a better future. This service ensures we support and empower the victim/survivor and create a safety plan for long term support.
DASA’s can:
- Offer emotional support, crisis management, signposting for legal aid, immigration, housing, mental health and other complex issues.
- Support victim/survivors in making their own choices and decisions.
- Provide support letters and direct referrals to other services.
- Signpost victim/survivors to other specialist support such as legal advice services, counselling etc.
- Provide confidential and non-judgemental support and advice.
- Listen and explore any risks to the victim/survivors and their children
- Complete a risk assessment with the victim/survivor and help create a safety plan to keep them and their children as safe as possible.
- Give the victim/survivor a voice so their concerns and anxieties are heard.
- Update them on their partner/ex-partners attendance on the programme, including whether they complete the programme.
- Confidentially pass information onto the practitioners working with their partner/ex-partner to help address any risks to the victim/survivor– only with their consent and if it safe to do so.
Service User Perspective
"DASA helped us understand our communication and how we work together as a family and to be better for our children."
DASA service user
Victim / Survivor Perspective
"Your involvement has helped us keep things under control."
Victim / Survivor working with DASA
Victim / Survivor Perspective
"[We] understand the effects our behaviour has on us as a couple and on the children."