Domestic Abuse Support Service

LBBD requires a Domestic Abuse Victim/Survivor Support Service which is responsive to needs, and provides the following services as a part of the single point of access:

• Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) support for victim survivors including safety planning, support with protection orders, housing options, civil and criminal remedies, working with all risk levels including Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference cases
• Professionals to work as a part of the councils multi-disciplinary Support2Safety team
• Group support to help victim/ survivors process their abuse, understand and recognise signs, this could include delivery of domestic abuse approved programmes such as ‘Own my Own Life, Freedom Programme
• Preventative approaches including opportunities for healthy relationship workshops for young people
• Peer mentors, and a community champions scheme, including young ambassadors
• Management and oversight of the two refuges (safe accommodation) the tenderer will be expected to sign up to any undertaking and the Housing Management Contract as a part of this service
• Sanctuary scheme – where risk of the home is assessed, safety advice, repairs and alterations are undertaken as a part of the service
• Training for LBBD staff and the partnership including awareness raising

Our aim is to better assist victims’ survivors of domestic abuse by providing them with support at the earliest opportunity possible, where they are able to access the service flexibly safety plan and get access to a range of services through a single point of access.

The service will provide support to victim/ survivors of abuse, over the phone through a dedicated line, in person, and via a dedicated website. The service will work flexibly to meet the needs of our vulnerable residents.