Two-thirds of women facing the most severe forms of domestic abuse could become free of violence if more Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) services were rolled out across the country. This is the finding of a report launched on the eve of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the day before the Government launched its new strategy on violence against women and girls.
Safety in Numbers, a study commissioned by the Hestia Fund and funded by the Sigrid Rausing Trust and the Henry Smith Charity, could change the lives of thousands of victims suffering from domestic abuse in the UK - and their children - and save hundreds of millions of pounds to public services.
The report evaluated over 2,500 women aged 15-83 (with an average age of 33) who accessed IDVA services across seven sites across England and Wales, including HALT in Leeds. It found that nearly two-thirds of women suffering from the most extreme physical, emotional and sexual abuse reported that this abuse had ceased following intensive interventions by IDVAs, who act as the main interface between victims and the many agencies needed in order to keep them safe (e.g. police, courts, housing, children’s services, health services). For those where abuse persisted, it was greatly reduced. This is the first large scale, multi-site evaluation of IDVA services across England and Wales and presents, for the first time since their formal introduction in 2005, empirical evidence that this IDVA approach keeps victims of severe abuse and their children safer.
At the start of the two year study, more than three quarters of victims had been suffering from 'high' levels of abuse for an average of five and a half years, including broken bones, burns, strangulation, rape and other forms of sexual abuse, stalking, and damage to property. More than two-thirds of these women had children, many of which were being put at risk of physical and psychological harm. The report also found that:
Nevertheless, despite the high level of abuse suffered by the victims, there were significant positive changes in their safety following tailored, intensive support from IDVAs.
The improved safety applied not just to adults but also to their children. Conflict over child contact halved to 23% of cases, while direct threats to kill children dropped by 44% for those with children (from 11% to 6% - still troubling but much reduced). Equally, only 7% felt that there was a threat of harm to their children, down from 30% at the start of the study.
Anna (not her real name) experienced serious physical violence and was raped by her partner. She says, "I was supported by an IDVA who listened and believed me, who worked tirelessly to make sure my voice was heart and prepared me and supported me in what was to come. It was this support that allowed me to get away from a dangerous situation and testify against my perpetrator in court. My IDVA also helped me access a range of services including housing support and medical care. Although things have been tough, I have become more stronger and happier."
In light of the safety outcomes achieved, the report offers a number of recommendations to policy makers, outlining the urgent actions that must be taken to ensure that all victims requiring comprehensive interventions from IDVAs are able to access them.
Nik Peasgood from HALT says ,"IDVAs are categorically one of the most important services for victims of domestic violence, which we now have research to prove. IDVA intervention has radically changed the lives of thousands of women, in many cases contributed to saving lives. Years of innovative work would be lost if IDVAs were not streamlined, and this is why it is essential that funding and commitment to IDVAs is increased, as we reduce risk, stop long term violence, and save millions in public money."
Diana Barran, co-author of the report and Hestia Trustee says, "Although domestic violence is often seen as an intractable problem, this report demonstrates that this does not need to be the case, as many more victims and their families could live in safety if proper commissioning of IDVAs and consistent coordination of public services became a reality. There are beacons of good practice that exist already, some of whom are highlighted in the research. We must now secure this approach as a consistent and potentially life-saving service for victims and children, enabling them to remain safe and free from abuse."
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