26th February 2015
"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." - Helen Keller
Here at SafeLives, we don’t do anything on our own. Everything we do is with other people and other organisations who are just as passionate about ending domestic abuse as we are – and who are just as impatient to get it right first time, for every victim and every family.
Our job is to find out what works to stop domestic abuse – whether that be about how we spot it early, how we help different groups of victims or how we shape systems locally. When we find something that we think could make many more victims safe, we take it, test it, refine it and write it up. Then we create all the training and guidance that you need to start doing it tomorrow.
That’s what we did over the last ten years with the Dash risk assessment checklist, with Idvas, and with Maracs. And that’s what we’re going to do again as SafeLives in the next ten.
It also holds true in what we recommend. At the heart of our approach is co-ordination – the idea that all the agencies responsible for keeping victims and children safe must work together, so no-one falls through the gaps.
So everything we do is in partnership. Our partners on the frontline test the ideas alongside us, and come to us for ideas about how to up their game. Our partners in local government, healthcare and the police rely on us to recommend how we all work together – and for an honest opinion when they’re not doing enough. And our national partners look to us to help set the policy and funding frameworks to help us end domestic abuse. Read more about our partners.
So it was wonderful to get so many supportive messages about our new name yesterday. Here’s a selection:
The home secretary, Theresa May MP:
“Domestic violence and abuse shatters lives. I commend the work SafeLives has done over the last 10 years to highlight this appalling crime and am proud to have worked with them on improving the support and coordinated protection available to victims of domestic abuse through the establishment of Idvas and Maracs. It is extremely encouraging that 60 per cent of victims report no further violence following intervention by an Idva.
“Their work to make sure victims are identified as early as possible, and that they and their children are supported to live in safety, has been vital in the ongoing campaign to end violence against women and girls."
The shadow home secretary, Yvette Cooper MP:
“I send my very best wishes to SafeLives. The work they have done over the last decade has made such a difference in transforming the response to domestic abuse, ensuring better and more coordinated support and ultimately, changing lives.
“Labour is determined to ensure tackling violence against women and girls is at the very heart of Government and I look forward to continuing to work with SafeLives to make that happen and to end the scourge of domestic abuse.”
Good but critical friends in CAADA are now @safelives_ Working to end Domestic Abuse will make for #aSaferEssex. Good luck #safelives
— Nick Alston (@NickAlstonPCC) February 26, 2015
Amazing day @safelives_ #gettingitrightfirsttime conference. So much to think about
— Saskia Ritchie (@saskiaCWA) February 25, 2015
Citizens Advice
We're pleased to support important new report from @safelives_ (previously CAADA) It's crucial more victims of #domesticabuse get help early
— Citizens Advice (@CitizensAdvice) February 25, 2015
Esmée Fairbairn Foundation
Important story from @safelives_ - their wealth of data on domestic violence shows how lives could be changed http://t.co/LChne4ltGg
— Esmée Fairbairn (@esmeefairbairn) February 25, 2015
Eleri Butler, CEO of Welsh Women’s Aid
Congrats on rebrand @dianabarran, have seen you develop from early days of CRARG to CAADA and now @safelives_, good luck with conference too
— Eleri (@EleriB) February 25, 2015
My Sister’s Place
Congrats & best wishes to @safelives_ evolving from @CAADA_UK Proud to have our CEO speaking @ today's conference hope today goes well #dv
— My Sisters Place (@MSPmbro) February 25, 2015
Polly Neate, CEO of Women’s Aid
Well done @safelives_ @dianabarran on the rebrand and good luck for the conference today :)
— Polly Neate (@pollyn1) February 25, 2015
Tom Rahilly, head of strategy for looked after children and families at risk, NSPCC
Good luck to @safelives_ on their launch today.
— Tom Rahilly (@tomrahilly) February 25, 2015
The Dash charity
Huge congratulations to @safelives_ -Changing your name but not your impact. Offering the highest quality services to support #DomesticAbuse
— The Dash Charity (@TheDashCharity) February 25, 2015
Thanks to everyone who emailed, tweeted, commented on our Facebook profile or congratulated us at our national conference yesterday. We’re looking forward to working with you as SafeLives!