Spotlight: the podcast for the domestic abuse sector

Content note: domestic abuse, immigration control, bereavement. Caron was gentle, kind and hardworking. A migrant woman building a life, sending love home, and carrying hope. Home was not safe, and systems were not safe either. In this short audio, her friend Max tells the story of bus-ride friendship, a rare day of freedom to sort papers, the calls that never stopped, and a country that made Caro...

In its latest podcast, SafeLives' Lucy Giles highlights the challenges that domestic abuse professionals face identifying primary perpetrators in cases of domestic abuse and dealing with counter allegations. Counter allegations, where both parties allege abuse, are a common challenge for professionals encountering domestic abuse. Prevailing misconceptions about the nature of domestic abuse and cou...

Young people experience the highest rates of domestic abuse of any age group. Professionals working with young people are in the unique position to support them to have healthy relationships during this critical window - before they harm or are harmed. They can also be there to support and speak to a young person if they are worried about their relationship. To do this, professionals need to feel...

In this podcast we hear from SafeLives’ practice consultant Lucy Giles and Emily McCarron from Age UK discussing the effect of COVID-19 on the prevalence of elder abuse and the impact of elder abuse in general. Please note: this podcast was recorded remotely so please excuse the audio quality

In this podcast we hear from Jo Silver, Director of Innovation at SafeLives as she sits down again with Louisa Rolfe, Deputy Chief Constable of West Midlands Police to discuss what has changed a couple of months on from when lockdown started. Please note that government restrictions, social distancing and shielding guidance has changed since this podcast was recorded however, it still offers an in...

Collette Eaton-Harris speaks to Dr Jess Roy of Bristol University, about the changed risks children may be facing at home, and how social workers can safely work with them during Covid-19

Deidre from SafeLives speaks to Zoe Jackson from Aurora New Dawn, about how her team have been supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse during lockdown

Our Head of Practice, Michelle Phillips, has a chat with Sue Penna who is the Chief Creative Officer at Rockpool to discuss the psychological impact of surviving domestic abuse. Throughout, they emphasise the need for a trauma-informed approach when not only dealing with clients, but with colleagues too. Take a look at Rockpool here: https://rockpool.life/ Order your copy of the Recovery Toolkit:...

In this podcast, former SafeLives CEO Suzanne Jacob sits down with Ngozi who runs Sistah Space - a community based initiative that supports African heritage women and girls. Ngozi talks about the systemic racism she encounters while supporting her clients, and what needs to change. Find out more about Sistah Space: https://www.sistahspace.org/ Donate to the service: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.co...

SafeLives' Daniel Ryan speaks to Natalie Whitmore, Service Manager at West Sussex Connect, about best practice when supporting clients through COVID-19. Read more about West Sussex Connect: https://safelives.org.uk/sites/default/files/resources/West_Sussex_Connect_Service_Specification.pdf

Brandy Hubbard, Practice Advisor at SafeLives, speaks to Bob Williams, Safeguarding Manager at North Yorkshire Police, about conducting multi-agency meeting remotely in order to support victims and families during COVID-19. We can support you to run multi-agency forums virtually. Email robert.williams@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or info@safelives.org.uk

Rachel Ozanne talks to Olive from Rights of Women and Ursula, a SafeLives Pioneer and co-founder of Voices, about how the family court is operating during the COVID-19 restrictions. They discuss the concerns and issues raised by survivors and also the impact family court proceedings can have. Information and support available via the links below: Legal advice: FLOWS: https://www.flows.org.uk/ Righ...

In this podcast Rachel Ozanne, Practice Advisor at SafeLives, talks to Georgia and Kathryn, SafeLives Pioneers both experienced domestic abuse in their family homes as a child. They reflected on what they think it's like for children now, what they could do, and what those around them could do if they are worried. This includes agencies, including schools, and the importance of reaching in and not...

In this podcast, Amy Hewitt speaks to behavioural psychologist Emily Alison, about guidance for those using abuse during the COVID-19 crisis. Respect phoneline: 0808 8024040 https://respectphoneline.org.uk/

In this podcast Lucy McDonald speaks to Assistant Chief Constable Duncan Sloan, about how police in Scotland are responding to domestic abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rachel Ozanne speaks to Ursula - survivor and SafeLives Pioneer - and Dr Alison Gregory - a researcher from Bristol University - about how family, friends and neighbours can support someone living with domestic abuse during the current lockdown.

Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, we're speaking to survivors and professionals about the challenges they're facing due to the pandemic and the social distancing measures we are all taking. In this podcast, Jo Silver talks to Nicole Jacobs, the UK's Domestic Abuse Commissioner, about the domestic abuse sector response to the challenges of COVID-19. For more information and resources from SafeLives d...

Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, we're speaking to survivors and professionals about the challenges they're facing due to the pandemic and the social distancing measures we are all taking. In this podcast, Jo Silver speaks to DCC Louisa Rolfe of West Midlands Police about how the Police are responding to domestic abuse during this time. Please note: this podcast was recorded remotely from Jo and DC...

Young author and YouTuber Emily Merrill joins us to talk about her novel 'Mine', which follows the story of student Avery's experience of domestic abuse at the hands of her boyfriend Luke. Follow Emily on social media: @ALittleWriterEm YouTube: alittlewriterem

In this podcast, Jo Silver talks to Rachel Williams - survivor, campaigner and SafeLives Pioneer, about what people currently living with an abuser may be feeling at this time, and some tips on how people can help to keep themselves and each other safe. For information and resources from SafeLives during the COVID-19 situation, visit our dedicated webpage: http://safelives.org.uk/news-views/domest...

As part of our project gathering the voices of men and boys, Susie spoke to Godfrey about his experiences of domestic abuse. Note: this interview contains some descriptions of abusive behaviour

We're gathering the voices of men and boys, exploring relationships, masculinity and more. In this interview, Susie speaks to eleven year old Cole about what it's like to be a boy growing up today - and what sort of man he'd like to be

Michelle Phillips, Head of Practice at SafeLives, spoke to Dr Emma Katz about the significance of the relationship between the non abusive parent and their children with children's social care. Dr Emma Katz, Senior Lecturer at Liverpool Hope University, explores the impact of domestic abuse on children and young people. Her work looks at the relationship between the child and non-abusive parent in...

As part of our project gathering the voices of men and boys around relationships, masculinity and abuse, Ruth spoke to Justin Hancock. Take our voices of men and boys survey: https://www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=155626547271 Justin runs www.bishuk.com, a website for over 14s about sex, love and you. His website for practitioners is www.bishtraining.com and he also co-wrote the free RSE resources...

As part of our Spotlight on parents experiencing domestic abuse, we speak to Anna Mitchell, UK Lead for Safe and Together, about the Safe and Together model and how it relates to domestic abuse and social work