Location: Stevenage, Hertfordshire
Stevenage Against Domestic Abuse (SADA) provides advice, guidance and support to individuals and their families who have experienced domestic abuse, led by victims and survivors themselves.
SADA provides multiple services to individuals as well as partner agencies. The service includes a safe space (dedicated temporary accommodation), drop-in sessions and a network of peer support and social activities for users of the service.
The organisation offers ‘safe spaces’ for people fleeing domestic abuse, offering women, men and their families, a haven where they can stay for up to a week while they consider their options.
SADA offers support to everyone including men and LGBTQ+ communities, and for family members experiencing or witnessing domestic abuse, including children.
The SADA Forum is made up of survivors of domestic abuse that have accessed support through the service. It puts those affected by domestic abuse at the heart of decision-making, and gives them a voice. SADA has also established a champion’s network made up of champions from partner agencies. This ensures that everyone that seeks advice from partners will receive the same advice.
Since SADA was first rolled out it has supported over 375 victims. More than 45 have been referred to the Safe Space for accommodation since its launch 2017.
Cllr Jackie Hollywell, Stevenage Borough Council’s Executive Member Community and Community Safety Executive said:
Domestic abuse is a devastating crime that shatters the lives of its victims. This is why the work that Stevenage Against Domestic Abuse carries out to support the most vulnerable members of our community is so important. It is fantastic that the team have been nominated for this award in recognition of their fantastic achievements
