JYThe UK government defines domestic abuse (DA) as any incident or pattern of violent, threatening, controlling, or coercive behaviour between individuals aged 16+ and who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality. In support, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner (DAC) has launched VOICES, a virtual newsletter to empower victims/survivors of DA to influence how services, government, and agencies respond to DA, ensuring all victims/survivors receive the support and protection they need. The Revenge Porn Helpline recognises that many of our clients have or are currently experiencing DA and may want to be involved in the change. You can learn more about VOICES and how you can take part below.
Who is the Domestic Abuse Commissioner?
Nicole Jacobs was appointed as the first DAC for England and Wales in 2019 and was reappointed in 2022 for another three years.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 gives the DAC authority to make recommendations to public bodies, which are legally required to cooperate and respond, enabling her to hold agencies, services and the government accountable in addressing DA.
The DAC's strategy centres on the real experiences of victims/survivors. By ensuring their voices shape recommendations, the approach leads to more effective, compassionate solutions that truly address their needs.
What is VOICES?
One way the DAC achieves her strategy is through VOICES; a virtual newsletter which circulates once every 3 months. The newsletter includes:
Survivor engagement opportunities (explained below).
Updates on the DAC’s work.
Relevant news from across DA policy, practice and research.
Stories from victims/survivors who have used their lived experience to influence change.
And, from time to time, there are invites to join free online events hosted by the DAC.
Survivor Engagement Opportunities
Survivor engagement opportunities enable victims/survivors to share their experiences of DA with organisations, universities, and governments. Engagement ensures victims/survivors voices are heard and shape recommendations for change.
The format of these engagements varies based on the needs of the organisation, and may include:
Questionnaires.
Interviews or focus groups.
Participation in research projects.
Sharing stories for media coverage.
Some engagements are anonymous, and all opportunities are reviewed by the DAC’s team to ensure basic safeguarding measures are in place. Although the DAC does not deliver these activities directly and cannot assume legal responsibility, maintaining a high standard of safety and respect for victims and survivors is a priority.
For more information about survivor engagement opportunities, click here.
You can find an example of the VOICES newsletter here.
Getting involved in VOICES
Who can sign up?
VOICES is open to individuals aged 18+ living in England and Wales who identify with any of the following:
Victim or survivor of domestic abuse (past or current).
Friend or family member bereaved by domestic homicide or related deaths.
Someone who experienced DA in childhood.
Professionals working in the field of DA, who can share the newsletter with victims and survivors.
Is VOICES at the DAC right for me?
It is important to make sure that you only sign up to VOICES at the DAC if you feel you are in the right place to do so. However, we understand this can be a difficult decision to make.
You may find it helpful to speak and seek advice from those you are receiving support from, or you can find a self-audit checklist, devised by DA survivors in Australia working with Safe and Equal, designed for self-reflection here.
If making this decision has generated a desire for support, you can find a list of organisations to get in touch with below.
How can I sign up?
Visit the VOICES at the DAC webpage here.
Scroll down and click “Sign up to VOICES at the DAC”.
Enter your email address (to receive the newsletter) and, if comfortable, answer the optional questions.
That’s it—you’re signed up!
Domestic Abuse Support
If you or someone you know is at immediate risk or danger, please call 999.
For non-emergencies, you can make a report by calling 101 or by making a report online here.
Support Organisations
Refuge operates a 24-hour national helpline for women experiencing DA.
Respect operates a helpline for men experiencing DA.
Scottish Women’s Aid operates a 24-hour helpline for women experiencing DA.
Welsh Women’s Aid operates a 24-hour helpline for women experiencing DA.
Muslim Women's Network are a national specialist, faith and culturally sensitive helpline and counselling service for all genders.
Galop operate a LGBT+ helpline for victims/survivors of violence and abuse.
The DAC also has a list of organisations on their website here.
Intimate Image Abuse
If your intimate images/videos have been taken, shared or threatened to be shared without your consent, please find our advice pages here or you can find out how to get in contact with one of our practitioners on the Revenge Porn Helpline here.
