Balloons

Survivor consultation

A key mission of VOICES is to ensure this happens in a safe, supported way.

Balloons

Survivor consultation

A key mission of VOICES is to ensure this happens in a safe, supported way.

A safe space

When we set up VOICES, we were acutely aware of how difficult it is to speak to others about our experiences of domestic abuse, and how much more difficult it is to speak to people with power to make decisions and effect change. It became a key mission of VOICES to ensure this could happen in a safe, supported way.

VOICES has spent nearly 7 years developing services for people with experience of domestic abuse. The safe space and recovery support we provide for women long-term helps ensure we can find opportunities for clients to be consulted directly, to be valued for their contribution and to be supported before, during and after to take part in a confidential setting.

Women have taken part and made changes, their experiences influencing the changes made to the Domestic Abuse Bill (e.g. around special measures for victims in family courts), and informing new initiatives to combat financial abuse and hardship. Current consultations include with the University of Bristol Medical School, looking at GP responses to domestic abuse survivors during remote consultations, and with researchers at UCL and Kings College London, studying family mental health and wellbeing impacts of domestic abuse.

Our work is shaped by the testimony and suggestions of the many resilient and inspiring people we support, and we are proud of the contributions they make to improving the lives of others. Their insights and stories can increase the whole-picture understanding of trauma and recovery from abusive relationships and help people reclaim power and agency after experiencing abuse.

Quotation marks

This service has saved my mental health and has provided a safe service whilst helping with coping mechanisms for the future.

- Lena

Latest news

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Voices have contributed to the new BANES Domestic Abuse leaflet.

This leaflet has been compiled for those exsperiencing domestic abuse and seeking support in the BANES area. There is a comprehensive list of contacts for local and national organisations offering a range of support.

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 Local Family Justice Board at University of the West of England Law School took place on Friday 19 May

A groundbreaking conference by the Local Family Justice Board at University of the West of England Law School took place on Friday 19 May, looking at how to improve responses to domestic abuse and support for adult and child survivors in family court processes. Our director Ursula spoke about family courts, coercive control and lived…

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Cycle challenge in aid of domestic abuse charity

by Tamsin and Hannah (May / Hughes) About We have set ourselves the challenge of cycling over 680 miles across France and to fundraise for domestic abuse charity Voices.  We’re new to bike touring and have been training for this challenge since September 2022. You can donate here: https://localgiving.org/fundraising/lostinfrance/ We hope our fundraiser will help…