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SafeLives Charity @safelives.bsky.social · 1d

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That’s why it’s vital we invest not only in funding these crucial roles, but also in the mental health and wellbeing of every frontline worker. Because caring for those who care for others must be a priority - today and every day 💚

#WorldMentalHealthDay #WMHD25 #VicariousTrauma #DomesticAbuse

SafeLives Charity @safelives.bsky.social · 1d

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Frontline professionals have told us they’re paying a high price for their invaluable work:
🟢 Burnout
🟢 Poor mental health
🟢 Vicarious trauma.

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SafeLives Charity @safelives.bsky.social · 1d

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Supporting people living with trauma, fear and uncertainty - often in high-pressure environments with growing caseloads and shrinking resources - takes a huge emotional toll.

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SafeLives Charity @safelives.bsky.social · 1d

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This World Mental Health Day, we’re shining a light on the mental health challenges faced by those working on the domestic abuse frontline.

SafeLives post with image of a woman and text that reads "We are constantly hearing stories of trauma, and being reminded of the worst things humans can do to one another. It is so hard to manage the effects of it on you as an individual (Independent domestic violence advisor, Idva). #WorldMentalHealthDay".

SafeLives post with image of a woman and text that reads "Vicarious trauma is endemic across the profession and has been experienced by every single frontline professional I know. It’s important to have peer-to-peer support and regular clinical supervision to identify the signs early, and address them (Safeguarding Lead). #WorldMentalHealthDay".

SafeLives post with image of a woman and text that reads "It's a fine line between becoming desensitised to the issue and experiencing vicarious trauma. I have come close to burnout a few times (Independent domestic violence advisor, Idva). #WorldMentalHealthDay".

SafeLives post with image of a woman and text that reads "It’s very difficult not to let the job impact your mental health. More support is needed and I think clinical supervision should be mandatory, not optional (Independent domestic violence advisor, Idva). #WorldMentalHealthDay".

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SafeLives Charity @safelives.bsky.social · 2d

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We have a toolkit offering practical guidance on communication, accessibility, identifying abuse and more.

Together we can remove the barriers and ensure all survivors are seen and supported.

#WorldSightDay #TheUnseen #DomesticAbuse #VisualImpairment #VisionLoss #SightLoss

Responding to victims with a visual impairment

This training aims to improve your professional response and make victims of domestic abuse with a visual impairment or who are registered blind safer.

ow.ly

SafeLives Charity @safelives.bsky.social · 2d

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Our ‘The Unseen’ report commissioned by Fight for Sight reveals the unique barriers blind or partially sighted victims of domestic abuse face. These include:

🔹 Inaccessible information
🔹 Lack of confidentiality
🔹 Dependency on abusers for support or mobility
🔹 Professionals lacking awareness

The Unseen | Blind and partially sighted report

‘The Unseen: Blind and partially sighted people’s experiences of domestic abuse’ report explores experiences of physically and sensory impaired people

ow.ly

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SafeLives Charity @safelives.bsky.social · 2d

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📢 This World Sight Day, we're shining a light on those often unseen.

1 in 12 visually impaired people in the UK are estimated to be victims or survivors of domestic abuse.

SafeLives post with image of a man looking into the light and text that reads "#WorldSightDay. 1 in 12 visually impaired people in the UK are estimated to be victims or survivors of domestic abuse".

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SafeLives Charity @safelives.bsky.social · 2d

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SafeLives is proud to contribute to this journey through our role on the Taskforce shaping Domestic Homicide and Suicide Reviews, with our Authentic Voice Panel, ensuring lived experience is at the heart of change.

🔗 Read more: ow.ly/LPto50X8WYB

SafeLives Charity @safelives.bsky.social · 2d

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This week, a bill was passed in #Scotland to help prevent domestic homicides and suicides.

#DomesticAbuse survivors tell us that navigating the justice system can feel “like walking blindfolded through a minefield”, so this progress is welcomed.

“like walking blindfolded through a minefield”

A step forward in the journey towards a justice system that responds better to the feedback of those working, experiencing and living in it.

ow.ly

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SafeLives Charity @safelives.bsky.social · 3d

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Berkshire Women's Aid are committed to providing comprehensive support in a safe and non-judgmental environment to anyone experiencing domestic abuse with emergency accommodation and emotional support.

For more information about our Leading Lights accreditation ⬇️
ow.ly/LlMi50X5E5u

About our Leading Lights programme

Leading Lights is SafeLives’ gold standard accreditation programme for community-based domestic abuse services across the UK

ow.ly

SafeLives Charity @safelives.bsky.social · 3d

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✨ We want to shout out our colleagues at Berkshire Women's Aid Idva, outreach and refuge services who have successfully achieved #LeadingLights accreditation.

This is a great achievement which demonstrates their dedication to providing essential support for those impacted by #DomesticAbuse.

SafeLives Leading Lights post with graphic of a firework and text that reads "Congratulations! Berkshire Women's Aid".

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SafeLives Charity @safelives.bsky.social · 4d

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Her Centre empowers women to move away from abuse, and to move forward with their lives in Greenwich through free emotional and practical support including legal advice.

For more information about our Leading Lights accreditation ⬇️
ow.ly/SSHG50X5Cyy

About our Leading Lights programme

Leading Lights is SafeLives’ gold standard accreditation programme for community-based domestic abuse services across the UK

ow.ly

SafeLives Charity @safelives.bsky.social · 4d

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✨ We want to shout out our colleagues at Her Centre IDSVA Service who have successfully achieved #LeadingLights accreditation.

This is a great achievement which demonstrates their dedication and commitment to providing essential support for those impacted by #DomesticAbuse.

SafeLives Leading Lights post with graphic of a firework and text that reads "Congratulations! Her Centre IDSVA Service".

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SafeLives Charity @safelives.bsky.social · 9d

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➡️ Donate today to help us on our mission to end domestic abuse, for everyone, for good.

🔗 ow.ly/aOYs50X5uYa

#NationalPoetryDay #DomesticAbuse #VAWG #SurvivorVoice

SafeLives National Poetry Day post with illustration of a hand writing a heart and text that reads "And so I live in a shell. I do quite well. And what have I learned. Without the love I have yearned. Babs (Domestic abuse survivor)".

SafeLives Charity @safelives.bsky.social · 9d

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At SafeLives, we work hard to ensure every survivor can be heard, believed, and supported on their journey to safety and healing.

SafeLives National Poetry Day post with illustration of a hand writing a heart and text that reads "And I haven’t got there yet. I can feel when my mind gets set. When someone else comes through the door. And I can’t take any more. Babs (Domestic abuse survivor)".

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SafeLives Charity @safelives.bsky.social · 9d

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Her poem speaks to both the pain of control and the courage of reclaiming voice and choice.

SafeLives National Poetry Day post with illustration of a hand writing a heart and text that reads "And in order to heal and grow. I had to say no. To anyone who dared get too close. Because what I feared the most. Was someone else doing the same. Making me to blame. Babs (Domestic abuse survivor)".

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SafeLives Charity @safelives.bsky.social · 9d

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This National Poetry Day, we’re honoured to share these words from Babs, a survivor of domestic abuse.

SafeLives National Poetry Day post with illustration of a hand writing a heart and text that reads "I was like a puppet on
a string. For him. And I didn’t see the sign. As he slowly took over my mind. Babs (Domestic abuse survivor)".

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SafeLives Charity @safelives.bsky.social · 9d

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🕊️ “I was like a puppet on a string. For him. And I didn’t see the sign. As he slowly took over my mind…”

SafeLives National Poetry Day post with illustration of a hand writing a heart and text that reads "I don’t know how long it has
taken. For me to awaken. That it is normal to make your own decisions. To hear your own voice. And make your own choice. Babs (Domestic abuse survivor)".

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SafeLives Charity @safelives.bsky.social · 9d

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The @drivepartnership.bsky.social, established by @respectuk.bsky.social, SafeLives, and Social Finance, is working to end domestic abuse and protect victim-survivors by disrupting, challenging, and changing the behaviour of those who are causing harm.

🔗 ow.ly/a8J950X5snq

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SafeLives Charity @safelives.bsky.social · 9d

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In the majority of cases, those who cause harm are known to the victim – blaming specific groups like migrants or marginalised communities doesn't keep anyone safe.

The real work lies in preventing harm, reducing risk, supporting recovery, and holding perpetrators everywhere to account.

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SafeLives Charity @safelives.bsky.social · 9d

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We welcome Helen Millichap’s comments and fully agree that the real work of ending violence against women must not be overshadowed by political disputes.

#VAWG #DomesticAbuse #AntiRacism

Top cop warns of 'distraction' from threat facing women

Helen Millichap told Sky News that the "real threat" of violence against women and girls comes from a "multitude" of places, not just asylum seekers.

ow.ly

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SafeLives Charity @safelives.bsky.social · 11d

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🗓️ Spring 2026 course!
🔔 Applications deadline - 24 November 2025

Learn more and apply below ⬇️
ow.ly/q5uA50X47y2

#DomesticAbuseScotland #ScotlandTraining #DomesticAbuseTraining #DomesticAbuse #DomesticViolence #VAWG

Independent Domestic Abuse Advocacy (Idaa) Training: Scotland

Idaa training helps practitioners in Scotland gain the knowledge and skills to offer a safe and effective response to high risk victims of domestic abuse.

ow.ly

SafeLives Charity @safelives.bsky.social · 11d

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🔹 Suitable for DA practitioners and managers carrying, or supporting those who carry, active caseloads, with at least six months of experience.

🔹 Delivered in partnership between SafeLives, ASSIST and Scottish Women's Aid.

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SafeLives Charity @safelives.bsky.social · 11d

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Interested in Idva training but live in Scotland? 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Our ‘Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate (Idaa) course’ is ideal for Scottish practitioners.

🔹 Just like our Idva course, you'll learn how to best support DA victims, survivors and their children, but within the Scottish context.

SafeLives post with text that reads "Scotland. Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate (Idaa) training. Learn how to best support domestic abuse victims, survivors and their children. Training this way".

SafeLives post with text that reads "The course is: online, accredited and developed in partnership with ASSIST and Scottish Women’s Aid".

SafeLives post with text that reads "Learn how to: increase the safety of DA victims, boost your confidence through group work, improve your career prospects and learn alongside other Scottish DA practitioners".

SafeLives post with text that reads "Important note. This is not an entry level course. The broad range of topics covered means it is only suitable for practitioners with at least six months of experience".

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SafeLives Charity @safelives.bsky.social · 12d

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Upcoming online focus groups:
🔹 Tuesday 30 Sept 1pm
🔹 Monday 6 Sept 10am & 1pm

👉 Register your interest here: ow.ly/VEWM50X3FIZ

#DomesticAbuse #VAWG #Idva #Idaa #MilitaryFamilies #Veterans #SocialWork #Police #Probation #Housing #Education #Healthcare #MentalHealth