Leaving an abusive relationship can be one of the most dangerous times, yet all too often people are unable to access emergency accommodation and are forced to return to their abusers.
Safe Havens is an innovative project supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse to access safe, accommodation quickly, supported by trained, volunteer hosts and a dedicated IDAS worker. The initiative builds on a long history of people hosting families and individuals in their homes while they begin to rebuild their lives.
Being a Safe Havens host is an opportunity to guide and support a person through challenging times. Hosting a guest n your own home for short periods of respite who has experienced domestic abuse is incredibly rewarding. Hosts can assist the guest in many ways to reach their potential and future goals. Being with a trained host in a host's own home, offers guidance and support whilst the guest plans for their safer future, free from abuse and violence.
Training is given for the role and hosts will link directly with IDAS support workers.
Often survivors need some time away whether this is for some respite or to enable them to consider and plan for their safe future. Hosts can play a significant part in someone's recovery by providing them a safe haven.
Accredited Training given
Flexible opportunity
Ability to link with IDAS volunteers in other roles
DBS checks will be carried out
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IDAS is the largest specialist charity in Yorkshire supporting people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence and have over 200 staff, volunteers, champions, ambassadors, and trustees. Last year we managed over 17,000 referrals, 25,000 helpline calls, supported more than 10,000 people in the community, provide accommodation for 250 families, and trained over 8,000 professionals.
What is domestic abuse:
Around 1/3 women and 1/9 men have experienced domestic abuse and the most at risk are young women, people with a disability and the LGBT1+ community. Domestic abuse can be displayed in many ways from physical violence, controlling behaviour, sexual violence and nasty remarks to name a few from a partner, ex-partner, family member or carer.
How IDAS can help:
IDAS support anyone affected by domestic abuse and we will always respect your decisions to stay or leave the relationship and give advice on how to do this safely.
We offer:
1:1 support from a dedicated worker, however you feel the most comfortable (over the phone or in person). They can help explore your options and advocate for you on finance, housing, court process etc to agree on a safety plan that is tailored to and works for you.
Group support: We run groups for people affected by domestic abuse, to discuss the impact abuse has had and share with people with similar experiences. Our staff will also help you to develop coping strategies to cope with past abuse and avoid future abusive relationships.
Safe accommodation: We have several women only refuges and self-contained houses for anyone fleeing domestic abuse or sexual violence.
How to contact us:
Helpline (03000 110 100) – Mon-Friday (08:00-0:800) / Sat-Sun (11:00-08:00) - We have a confidential helpline run by fully trained practitioners who will always believe and support you to talk about your experiences. They will refer you to the right place and give safety advice.
Live chat: Mon-sun (13:00 -16:00) - This is a facility accessed on the website and is a discrete way of contacting us.
