Improving the safety and well-being of domestic abuse survivors: the role of a specialist organisation in supporting the work of Independent Domestic Violence Advisors

Over the last 15 years, successive UK Governments have promoted the role of Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) in addressing the safety of (primarily) women affected by domestic abuse. Limited evaluations of IDVA services exist, with evidence suggesting women report improved safety and w...

Full description

Saved in:  
Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Taylor-Dunn, Holly (Author)
Contributors: Erol, Rosie
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2021
In: Crime prevention and community safety
Year: 2021, Volume: 23, Issue: 2, Pages: 115-136
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Journals Online & Print:
Drawer...
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Keywords:
Third-sector organisations
IDVAs
Advocacy
Domestic abuse
Description
Summary:Over the last 15 years, successive UK Governments have promoted the role of Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) in addressing the safety of (primarily) women affected by domestic abuse. Limited evaluations of IDVA services exist, with evidence suggesting women report improved safety and well-being as a result of specialist support. To date, however, little attention has been paid to the organisations in which IDVA services are based, despite recommendations that specialist domestic abuse organisations are the most appropriate home for IDVAs. This article draws on findings from the evaluation of an IDVA service in England to explore firstly, the outcomes achieved by the service and secondly, the extent to which the organisation facilitated IDVA support through its values, principles, policies and procedures. Finally, the article reflects on what these findings mean for the effective delivery of domestic abuse services.
ISSN:1743-4629
DOI:10.1057/s41300-021-00115-z