21 Years of SafeLives: Changing the Story of Domestic Abuse

A young girl walks along a beach, tossing stranded starfish back into the sea. When told she can’t possibly save them all, she picks up another and says, “I made a difference for that one.” 

This story has always resonated deeply at SafeLives. The challenge of ending domestic abuse is enormous – but every survivor supported, every perpetrator challenged, and every policy changed adds up to something greater. 

As we celebrate 21 years of SafeLives, I feel enormous pride and gratitude. Together with survivors, professionals, policymakers, and partners, we’ve been part of a national movement to transform the response to domestic abuse. Using data, voice, and frontline expertise, we’ve helped to change the story for thousands of adults and children across the UK. 

A pioneering approach to domestic abuse 

When we began in 2004, support for victims and survivors of domestic abuse varied widely — often patchy and uncoordinated. We focused on those at the highest risk of harm, driving change through evidence-based, multi-agency responses. 

We helped develop the Dash risk checklist – a simple but powerful tool to assess risk and get people help quickly. Before Dash, there was no consistent way to identify those in danger. Now, it’s used across the UK by police, health, social care and domestic abuse services to intervene before it’s too late. 

We also championed the role of Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (Idvas), creating the first accredited training. Idvas support people at the highest risk, and their impact is powerful – with over 80% of survivors reporting that the abuse stops when supported by an Idva. 

Changing the system for good 

Domestic abuse can’t be solved by one organisation or service alone. In 2004, police, social services, health professionals and specialist services often worked in isolation. To change that, we helped pioneer the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (Marac) model – creating coordinated, wraparound support for victims and families. 

Today, Maracs support over 100,000 adults and 140,000 children each year across the UK. 

Through resources, training and data, we’ve equipped thousands of professionals to understand domestic abuse and act with confidence and compassion. 

Survivor voice at the heart 

Survivors have shaped our work from the very beginning. Our Pioneers, Changemakers, and the Authentic Voice Panel in Scotland are more than advisors – they are our co-creators, change leaders and experts by experience.  

We’ve built a national Authentic Voice model, ensuring survivors are not only heard, but actively shape systems and services. This includes work with young people through our Safe Young Lives programme, and with minoritised communities to ensure support is truly accessible to everyone. 

To truly end domestic abuse, we must also address its root causes – especially perpetrator behaviour. Through the Drive Partnership, we work with Respect and Social Finance to disrupt abuse and directly challenge perpetrators to change, reducing reoffending and increasing safety for survivors.  

In the last six years, more than 5,000 perpetrators have been challenged and supported to change through interventions developed by the Drive Partnership, and we continue to expand this work year on year. 

A UK-Wide commitment 

We listen. We analyse what works. And we innovate to improve the response to domestic abuse. 

Our national datasets, insights, and close collaboration with the frontline give us a clear picture of where the system is working—and where it’s falling short. 

Last year alone, we trained more than 11,500 professionals and first responders, and reached almost 90,000 adult and 100,000 child survivors across the UK, through programmes designed and delivered with partners. 

As the UK’s biggest independent expert training organisation working to change the system, we use this evidence to build skills, shift culture, and drive meaningful, lasting change for the whole family. 

Our work spans all four nations. In Scotland, we’ve grown a strong presence over the last decade, delivering the Idaa training programme, supporting local services, and most recently, partnering with ASSIST to develop the world’s first Domestic Abuse Court Advocacy (DACA) standards, to support survivors through the justice process. 

We are proud to be a UK-wide charity, building a unified, evidence-led movement to end domestic abuse everywhere. 

Looking ahead: our new strategy 

This year, we launch a new strategy that builds on everything we’ve learned over the past 21 years—and looks firmly to the future. 

Our mission remains unchanged: to end domestic abuse, for everyone, for good. And our method is clear: Find what works. Help it happen. 

That means listening to survivors, professionals, and partners—understanding what’s effective, what needs to change, and how to make that change real. 

We’ve identified six key priorities that reflect where we believe SafeLives can have the most impact over the next three years: 

 

1. Whole Picture Framework: Creating a clear blueprint for what best practice looks like in local areas—preventing harm, reducing risk, and supporting recovery. 
2. Authentic Voice: Embedding the voices and rights of survivors in every aspect of the response, co-creating change rather than just consulting on it. 
3. Evolving the Risk Pathway: Making sure risk identification reflects the experiences of adult and child survivors and works for all communities. 
4. Workforce Development and Sector Support: Equipping professionals across all sectors with the knowledge, tools and confidence to act safely and effectively. 
5. Safe Young Lives: Understanding what works for children and young people—whether they’re experiencing harm in the family or in their own relationships. 
6. Addressing Perpetrators: Through the Drive Partnership and our own training, supporting responses that challenge those who cause harm, disrupt abuse, and reduce reoffending. 

 

At SafeLives, our strength lies in using data, voice, and evidence to shape what good looks like—and then supporting brilliant partners, services, and professionals to help it happen. 

Together, we’re changing the system—making it more evidence-based, more effective, and more survivor-led. 

A thank you  

None of this would be possible without the courage of survivors who share their stories, the commitment of frontline professionals, and the support of our partners, funders and team. The colleagues I work alongside at SafeLives inspire me every day – they are dedicated, compassionate, and determined to make a difference. 

Each of us has a role to play. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to something bigger. 

That starfish story still guides us. Because even when the scale of abuse feels overwhelming, we know that by acting with compassion and purpose, we can change – and save – lives. 

Thank you for being part of this journey. I can’t wait to see what we do together next.