The Power of an Idva
As part of our 16 Days 2024 campaign, SafeLives staff member and survivor of domestic abuse shares why the role of the Idva holds so much power.
News and views
In this library you will find our latest press releases, statements and blogs. Please contact us for expert interview, comment, analysis and data. We have a wealth of experience speaking on television and radio, advising documentary makers, and speaking at national conferences and events.
Featured news
Echo: a pioneering new survivor project
We announce the start of a pioneering new project to transform local responses to domestic abuse, and is calling on survivors across Bolton, Leicestershire and Sheffield to have their voices heard.
Victims and Prisoners Bill becomes law
We welcome the Victims Bill becoming law. However, there is still much more to do to ensure all victims of domestic abuse can access the support they need.
We will not end domestic abuse without supporting LGBT+ rights
Celebrating 50 years of pride and progress. A SafeLives staff member reflects on the LGBTQ+ journey and the importance of ending discrimination.
Domestic abuse and the family court
Many families who have experienced domestic abuse find themselves in family court. Some are subject to care proceedings, where children are removed from mothers who have been assessed as “unable to protect” their children from the domestic abuse they are experiencing themselves
Three ways to make sure families are safe and seen
Three things social workers can do. A survivor's voice on how children's social care can better protect domestic abuse victims. Read SafeLives Pioneer Vicky’s story.
Different planets
A reflection on Marianne Hester’s Three Planet model, its relevance to frontline work, and agencies coming together holistically around survivors and families.
Change programme for Children’s Social Care
Join trainer Emma Robinson to discover how SafeLives is driving culture change in Children’s Social Care through innovative training on families and domestic abuse.
SafeLives’ response to the report of the pre-legislative committee on domestic abuse
Joint Committee publishes recommendations scrutinising new Domestic Abuse Bill, echoing calls for crackdown on abusers intimidatory tactics. Read recommendations and SafeLives’ evidence to the committee.
Why Ofsted believe in the whole family approach
Ofsted works closely with the Care Quality Commission, HMI Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services and HMI Probation, carrying out joint inspections to see how well local agencies in an area work together to protect children. Children living with domestic abuse was the focus of our inspection programme in 2016.
Benefits of social workers delivering domestic abuse programmes
Rachel Tossell from NDADA writes about the mutual benefits of working alongside social workers in domestic abuse programmes with service users.
Six tips to support LGBT+ parents who have experienced domestic abuse
Six essential tips for professionals working with LGBT+ parents who are survivors, from Millie Fry, specialist LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Caseworker and Idva at Galop.
Importance of Children’s Social Care responding to the whole family
Discover emerging ‘whole family’ approaches to domestic abuse. Professor of social work, Nicky Stanley, discusses new interventions, models and evaluations.
Experiences of male victims in the context of Children’s social care
The response of Children’s Social Care to matters of domestic abuse has changed drastically in the last few decades, however, there is still often a disparity between the risk we identify male perpetrators posing to that of female perpetrators.
Value of student social workers on placement in domestic abuse services
How do social work placements enhance understanding of domestic abuse? Kathleen Collier discusses the value of placements and mutual learning in this insightful blog.