Service Shoutout: Domestic Abuse Awareness Month
Service Shoutout: Domestic Abuse Awareness Month
October is Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, a time to recognise the impact of domestic abuse, raise awareness and remind each of us that no one should ever have to face abuse alone.
This month holds special meaning for us at PEGS. October is also when we mark #CPAawarenessDay - a day dedicated to shining awareness on Child to Parent Abuse (CPA). We chose October for this important awareness day because CPA is a form of domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse is complex. It can happen in all kinds of relationships, including those between children and parental figures. Yet, child to parent abuse is often misunderstood, partly due to the different language and terminology that surrounds it. What we know, though, is that CPA is far more common than many realise - research shows that 1 in 10 families experience child to parent abuse.
We are incredibly lucky to work with so many organisations that share our mission of supporting families, raising awareness and providing safe spaces for people impacted by any kind of abuse. This month gives us the opportunity to talk, have these difficult conversations and to celebrate the work and services of others.
We want to share a number of incredible organisations who dedicate their time, energy and compassion to supporting individuals and families impacted by domestic abuse. Whether by research or direct work, we are inspired by the powerful progress we're making.
Hourglass
Hourglass is the UK’s only charity dedicated to ending the abuse of older people. Their helpline, support, and advice services offer a safe place for older victims and their families to reach out and find understanding and help when they need it most.
Dewis Choice
The service focuses on providing client-led informed choice during all stages of the help-seeking and justice-seeking journey, during crisis incidents, safety planning and recovery. We prioritise a co-ordinated community response and our service is embedded into safeguarding structures within the communities we work in within Wales. We provide intensive support for people aged 60 years and over, including those who identify as LGBTQ+, and those living with dementia. We aim to also to support family members and families of choice, where it is safe to do so. When appropriate we will work with harmers or alleged perpetrators.
Dewis Choice has engaged with over 2,000 people aged 60 years and over.
Disseminated over 5,000 copies of their second edition practitioner guidance.
And have trained over 25,000 practitioners in the UK.
Age Cymru
Age Cymru provides vital advice and advocacy to older people across Wales, ensuring they have access to safety, dignity, and support. Their work helps challenge isolation and create safer communities for everyone.
Family Lives
Family Lives offers support to families navigating difficult situations — from relationship challenges and parental conflict to domestic abuse and safeguarding concerns. Their helpline and online resources give parents and carers a compassionate space to talk and find guidance.
Calan DVS
Calan DVS supports people affected by domestic abuse across South Wales, providing refuge, outreach services, and community-based support. They also work closely with children and young people who have been affected by domestic abuse.
West Mercia Women’s Aid
West Mercia Women’s Aid offers life-saving services for women and children fleeing or recovering from abuse. Their dedicated team provides refuge, outreach, and emotional support, helping families to find safety and rebuild their lives.
WISH Foundation
The WISH Foundation supports individuals who have experienced trauma or domestic abuse, helping them regain confidence, independence, and self-worth. Their work focuses on empowerment, healing, and community connection.
Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Service
Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Service provides free and confidential support to anyone affected by domestic abuse. They offer practical advice, emotional support, and safe accommodation across the county.
derbyshiredomesticabuseservice.org.uk
Warrington Domestic Abuse Service
Warrington’s local domestic abuse service provides one-to-one support, refuge spaces, and community outreach to anyone affected by domestic abuse. Their work helps ensure that no one in Warrington has to face abuse alone.
warrington.gov.uk/domestic-abuse
Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Hub
Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Hub offers advice, information, and support to anyone worried about abuse in their home or relationship. Their team helps people access safety planning, housing advice, and emotional support.
cheshireeast.gov.uk/domesticabuse
We Are Survivors
We Are Survivors (formerly Survivors Manchester) supports male survivors of sexual violence and abuse. Their services include therapy, peer support, and advocacy — all designed to help men heal from trauma and move forward with hope.
Southall Black Sisters
Southall Black Sisters provides specialist support for women from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds who are experiencing domestic or gender-based abuse. Their work champions equality, justice, and empowerment for all women.
Sikh Women’s Aid
Sikh Women’s Aid works to end gender-based violence within the Sikh and South Asian communities, offering culturally sensitive advocacy, refuge, and education. Their team creates safe spaces for women to speak out and seek help.
Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service (SDAS)
SDAS offers a comprehensive range of support services for individuals affected by domestic abuse in Shropshire. Their services include refuge accommodation, outreach support, advocacy, and a dedicated Children and Young People's (CYP) team. They provide assistance to those seeking to escape or recover from domestic abuse, ensuring safety and empowerment for all involved.
Axis Counselling – Shropshire
Axis Counselling provides free and confidential therapeutic support to survivors of sexual abuse, including childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault, and exploitation. They offer services to individuals aged 5 and above, ensuring a safe and non-judgmental environment for healing.
Pathway Project – Staffordshire
The Pathway Project is a Staffordshire-based organisation dedicated to supporting adults, young people, and children who are experiencing or affected by domestic abuse. They offer a 24/7 helpline, refuge accommodation, outreach services, and advocacy, aiming to empower individuals to rebuild their lives free from abuse.
Galop
Galop is the UK's leading LGBT+ anti-abuse charity, providing support to LGBT+ individuals who have experienced abuse, including domestic violence, hate crime, and sexual violence. They offer a national helpline, advocacy, and specialist services tailored to the unique needs of the LGBT+ community.
ManKind Initiative
The ManKind Initiative is a UK-based charity that supports male victims of domestic abuse. They provide a confidential helpline, information resources, and a directory of local services to assist men in accessing the support they need.
Trafford Domestic Abuse Service (TDAS)
TDAS is a registered charity offering support to individuals and families in the Trafford area who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse. Their services include community outreach, advice, emotional and practical support, and refuge accommodation, aiming to help individuals achieve safety and independence.
Staffordshire Women's Aid
Staffordshire Women's Aid has been providing specialist services for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence since 1976. They offer a 24-hour helpline, refuge accommodation, outreach support, and advocacy, ensuring that individuals have access to the support and resources they need to escape and recover from abuse.
Domestic abuse can affect anyone, but so can support.
If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to one of the incredible organisations above or contact us at PEGS. You don’t have to face it alone.
Domestic abuse affects people in different ways and child to parent abuse is an important but often overlooked aspect of this. This month reminds us all of the importance of raising awareness, connecting families with support and advocating for prevention and intervention.
We are proud to collaborate with these organisations throughout our work and we recognise the difference their work makes in communities across the country.
The team at PEGS thank you all for the hard work and commitment you have for creating change.
