Support for Survivors of Domestic Abuse

Summary

This project aims to support people affected by domestic abuse - especially those at low to medium risk - before things escalate. The goal is to reduce repeat incidents and help survivors rebuild their lives, with a focus on protecting children and preventing homelessness.

Why It’s Needed

There’s not enough support in Hastings for survivors whose cases aren’t considered high risk. Many people don’t get help until things become serious. Without early support, the chances of repeat abuse and homelessness increase.

Survivors often leave and return to abusive situations several times before leaving for good. Ongoing support can help break this cycle. Domestic abuse affects not just the survivor, but also children and the wider community - leading to poor mental and physical health, substance use, school problems, and more.

What the Service Should Do

The successful provider will offer support for survivors assessed as low to medium risk, including self-referrals. The service should:

Help prevent homelessness and work under the Domestic Abuse Act and Homelessness Reduction Act

• Refer survivors needing re-housing to the council early
• Work with housing teams and housing associations to help people stay in their homes when safe
• Collaborate with local partners on community safety and housing
• Offer drop-ins or co-location sessions with housing teams
• Support people from different communities who may struggle to access services
• Help survivors access housing, health, and other statutory services, including accompanying them to appointments
• Signpost families to mental health and wellbeing support
• Support young people into training or work to boost confidence and reduce family disruption
• Help older family members stay connected and involved

Applicants should explain how this funding will add value to their service and what indicators they’ll use to measure success.

• The service must:
• Be open, visible, and accessible to all
• Be well advertised locally
• Offer ongoing support regardless of gender
• Include signposting and referrals to other services

Who It’s For

Survivors of domestic abuse assessed as low to medium risk, living in Hastings or St Leonards, and their families.

Funding

Funding runs from July 2026 to June 2028. There is £25,500 available for this project for 2026-27.

Registered charities, non-profit voluntary or community groups operating in Hastings and St Leonards can apply.

Duration

July 2026 – June 2028

How It Should Be Delivered

Support should be available during office hours, with an answerphone for out-of-hours referrals. Outreach is encouraged. If a case becomes high risk, the provider must complete a DASH Risk Checklist and refer to MARAC.

The provider is expected to:

• Attend the Hastings Domestic Abuse Forum
• Join the White Ribbon Day Steering Group
• Support White Ribbon Day activities in Hastings

Measuring Success

Applicants should define clear outcomes and how they’ll measure them. Examples include:

• Number of people supported (with details like gender, age, family makeup, and ward)
• Number of cases where homelessness was prevented
• Number of repeat incidents addressed
• Number of referrals to housing services
• Number of people reporting better mental health