Spotlight: The Podcast For The Domestic Abuse Sector

Content note: domestic abuse, immigration control, bereavement. Caron was gentle, kind and hardworking. A migrant woman building a life, sending love home, and carrying hope. Home was not safe, and systems were not safe either. In this short audio, her friend Max tells the story of bus-ride friendship, a rare day of freedom to sort papers, the calls that never stopped, and a country that made Caron choose between safety and survival. She should have been protected, whatever her status. We share this to honour Caron’s life and push for change so every woman is heard, believed and safe. Credits: Narration by Max. With special thanks to Bambuuu CIC: https://bambuuu.co.uk Shared with consent. Names and details may be changed for safety. If you need support: In an emergency call 999. For specialist support and information visit safelives.org.uk/gethelp

In its latest podcast, SafeLives' Lucy Giles highlights the challenges that domestic abuse professionals face identifying primary perpetrators in cases of domestic abuse and dealing with counter allegations. Counter allegations, where both parties allege abuse, are a common challenge for professionals encountering domestic abuse. Prevailing misconceptions about the nature of domestic abuse and counter allegations can result in increased risk for victims and children. For example, victims may be unable to access services, risking further isolation and victimisation. They may even lose care of their children and suffer psychological impact from not being believed. Concerningly, if such cases are not identified and resolved properly, agencies’ actions may inadvertently help the perpetrator to isolate and control the victim further. This podcast walks domestic abuse practitioners through SafeLives’ new expert guidance.

Young people experience the highest rates of domestic abuse of any age group. Professionals working with young people are in the unique position to support them to have healthy relationships during this critical window - before they harm or are harmed. They can also be there to support and speak to a young person if they are worried about their relationship. To do this, professionals need to feel confident starting conversations about relationships. Building on our research, we have developed a resource pack for professionals to use to start conversations with young people about relationships and explore what healthy looks like. Read more: https://safelives.org.uk/voices-men-and-boys Download the resource pack: https://safelives.org.uk/sites/default/files/resources/SafeLives%20Resource%20Pack%20-%20final.pdf

In this podcast we hear from SafeLives’ practice consultant Lucy Giles and Emily McCarron from Age UK discussing the effect of COVID-19 on the prevalence of elder abuse and the impact of elder abuse in general. Please note: this podcast was recorded remotely so please excuse the audio quality

In this podcast we hear from Jo Silver, Director of Innovation at SafeLives as she sits down again with Louisa Rolfe, Deputy Chief Constable of West Midlands Police to discuss what has changed a couple of months on from when lockdown started. Please note that government restrictions, social distancing and shielding guidance has changed since this podcast was recorded however, it still offers an interesting look into the Police response to COVID-19 and how they can help those who are concerned about a partner or family member’s behaviour during this time. For the most recent government guidance on covid-19, go to https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Collette Eaton-Harris speaks to Dr Jess Roy of Bristol University, about the changed risks children may be facing at home, and how social workers can safely work with them during Covid-19

Deidre from SafeLives speaks to Zoe Jackson from Aurora New Dawn, about how her team have been supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse during lockdown

Our Head of Practice, Michelle Phillips, has a chat with Sue Penna who is the Chief Creative Officer at Rockpool to discuss the psychological impact of surviving domestic abuse. Throughout, they emphasise the need for a trauma-informed approach when not only dealing with clients, but with colleagues too. Take a look at Rockpool here: https://rockpool.life/ Order your copy of the Recovery Toolkit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Recovery-Toolkit-support-journey-Domestic/dp/1838025006/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1588597773&sr=1-6 Please note: this podcast was recorded remotely so please excuse the audio quality

In this podcast, SafeLives CEO Suzanne sits down with Ngozi who runs Sistah Space - a community based initiative that supports African heritage women and girls. Ngozi talks about the systemic racism she encounters while supporting her clients, and what needs to change. Find out more about Sistah Space: https://www.sistahspace.org/ Donate to their fundraiser for a post-COVID retreat for the women Sistah Space supports: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Mango-Morning-Post-Covid19-Weekend-Retreat-Appeal Donate to the service: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/displayCharityCampaignPage.action?charityCampaignUrl=sistahspace

SafeLives' Daniel Ryan speaks to Natalie Whitmore, Service Manager at West Sussex Connect, about best practice when supporting clients through COVID-19. Read more about West Sussex Connect: https://safelives.org.uk/sites/default/files/resources/West_Sussex_Connect_Service_Specification.pdf

Brandy Hubbard, Practice Advisor at SafeLives, speaks to Bob Williams, Safeguarding Manager at North Yorkshire Police, about conducting multi-agency meeting remotely in order to support victims and families during COVID-19. We can support you to run multi-agency forums virtually. Email robert.williams@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or info@safelives.org.uk

Rachel Ozanne talks to Olive from Rights of Women and Ursula, a SafeLives Pioneer and co-founder of Voices, about how the family court is operating during the COVID-19 restrictions. They discuss the concerns and issues raised by survivors and also the impact family court proceedings can have. Information and support available via the links below: Legal advice: FLOWS: https://www.flows.org.uk/ Rights of Women - https://rightsofwomen.org.uk/get-advice/ Legal information online: Rights of Women; • Family law guides: https://rightsofwomen.org.uk/get-information/family-law/. • Coronavirus and child contact guide - https://rightsofwomen.org.uk/get-information/family-law/coronavirus-and-child-contact-arrangements/ • Coronavirus and remote hearings guide - https://rightsofwomen.org.uk/get-information/family-law/coronavirus-remote-hearings-in-the-family-court/ • How to write a position statement for the family court - https://rightsofwomen.org.uk/get-information/family-law/position-statement/ • How to appeal a fami

In this podcast Rachel Ozanne, Practice Advisor at SafeLives, talks to Georgia and Kathryn, SafeLives Pioneers both experienced domestic abuse in their family homes as a child. They reflected on what they think it's like for children now, what they could do, and what those around them could do if they are worried. This includes agencies, including schools, and the importance of reaching in and not being a bystander. Helplines / online support: Childline: 0800 1111 https://www.childline.org.uk/ Shout (text help): Text Shout to 85258 https://www.giveusashout.org/ The Mix: 0808 808 4994 https://www.themix.org.uk/ Hideout - Women's Aid online resources for children and young people: http://thehideout.org.uk/

In this podcast, Amy Hewitt speaks to behavioural psychologist Emily Alison, about guidance for those using abuse during the COVID-19 crisis. Respect phoneline: 0808 8024040 https://respectphoneline.org.uk/

In this podcast Lucy McDonald speaks to Assistant Chief Constable Duncan Sloan, about how police in Scotland are responding to domestic abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rachel Ozanne speaks to Ursula - survivor and SafeLives Pioneer - and Dr Alison Gregory - a researcher from Bristol University - about how family, friends and neighbours can support someone living with domestic abuse during the current lockdown.

Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, we're speaking to survivors and professionals about the challenges they're facing due to the pandemic and the social distancing measures we are all taking. In this podcast, Jo Silver talks to Nicole Jacobs, the UK's Domestic Abuse Commissioner, about the domestic abuse sector response to the challenges of COVID-19. For more information and resources from SafeLives during the COVID-19 situation, visit our dedicated webpage: https://safelives.org.uk/news-views/domestic-abuse-and-covid-19 Survey for victim/survivors: https://wh1.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?k=158461680526 Full list of helplines: https://safelives.org.uk/node/278. Please note, this podcast was recorded remotely so the sound quality may vary at times.

Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, we're speaking to survivors and professionals about the challenges they're facing due to the pandemic and the social distancing measures we are all taking. In this podcast, Jo Silver speaks to DCC Louisa Rolfe of West Midlands Police about how the Police are responding to domestic abuse during this time. Please note: this podcast was recorded remotely from Jo and DCC Rolfe's homes, as we are following Government advice and working from home. We apologise for breaks in sound and diminished audio quality

Young author and YouTuber Emily Merrill joins us to talk about her novel 'Mine', which follows the story of student Avery's experience of domestic abuse at the hands of her boyfriend Luke. Follow Emily on social media: @ALittleWriterEm YouTube: alittlewriterem

In this podcast, Jo Silver talks to Rachel Williams - survivor, campaigner and SafeLives Pioneer, about what people currently living with an abuser may be feeling at this time, and some tips on how people can help to keep themselves and each other safe. For information and resources from SafeLives during the COVID-19 situation, visit our dedicated webpage: http://safelives.org.uk/news-views/domestic-abuse-and-covid-19 Please note, this podcast was recorded remotely from Jo and Rachel's homes, so the sound quality may vary at times