SDASS receives Award

Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service (SDASS) has been awarded with the Quality
Mark from Women’s Aid as part of the National Quality Standards (NQS) in recognition of
the excellent service they provide to victims of domestic abuse in the town.

The Women’s Aid NQS is the only accreditation that recognises and represents the work of
specialist domestic abuse services in England. These standards effectively evidence the
enormous impact that organisations have when it comes to offering dedicated, lifesaving
domestic abuse services that focus on the needs and experiences of survivors.

In order to achieve the accreditation, which is recognised as the ‘gold’ standard for the
industry, SDASS had to submit evidence and receive an in-depth assessment visit on seven
areas of the services they provide. The areas covered all aspects of the charity’s work,
including safety and respect; equality and rights; health, recovery and autonomy; power and
prevention; leadership and accountability; children and young people; and accommodation
services.

The award was presented to SDASS at the annual Women’s Aid conference held this week.
Director of Services Leann Atkinson and Trustee Angus Macpherson received the official
certificate on behalf of the organisation.

Leann said: “The NQS is a very rigorous application that takes an in-depth look at the
services we provide, including our refuge, support services within the community, as well as
other proactive programmes we deliver to help victims and survivors of domestic abuse. To
receive the Quality Mark is great recognition that the work that everyone does at SDASS is
unparalleled in quality and expertise.

“I am very proud of the expertise and professionalism of all of our employees and volunteers
who have worked so hard to help us achieve this award and provide a first class service for
victims of domestic abuse.”

Angus praised the calibre and dedication of everyone at SDASS, he added: “Every single
member of the team at SDASS are wholeheartedly committed to supporting the women,
men and children in Swindon who are experiencing domestic abuse. This award is
testament to the hard work and dedication that they put in day in and day out to make a
difference and save lives.

“There is no excuse for domestic abuse and it has no place in our society. Through working
with victims, those who may be at risk and perpetrators of abuse, as well as having strong
relationships with our local community, local businesses and education establishments,
we’re pioneering initiatives to put an end to domestic abuse.”

If you need advice for yourself or a friend relating to Domestic Abuse, call the confidential
24/7 Helpline, which is always answered by an Advisor, on 01793 610610.

Ends
Image caption – SDASS awarded with Women’s Aid NQS Quality Mark. L-r Farah
Nazeer, CEO Women’s Aid, Leann Atkinson Director of Services SDASS, Angus
Macpherson Trustee SDASS, Sarah Hill, Chair of Trustees Women’s Aid.

Editor’s notes – for additional information please contact Eleanor Butler, Vox PR, on
07775 943 085 or eleanor@voxonline.co.uk
ABOUT SDASS: Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service is free and confidential, serving
Swindon and the surrounding area. Our service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,
supporting ALL victims of domestic violence.
Originally founded in 1974 as Swindon Women’s Aid, SDASS operates a purpose-built
secure refuge with 22 individual flats which can accommodate lone females or mothers with
dependent children and has a dedicated team of trained staff. In the community SDASS has
a network of Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA) who work with victims not
staying in the Refuge, and have Advisors within the Great Western Hospital, Doctor
Surgeries and Health Centres across the town.
A specialist Children and Young People’s team supports the specific needs of children both
within the Refuge and also in the Community. Our Training Programmes not only help
victims understand their situation to help them move forward but also provide general
education to young people about healthy relationships.
Increased emphasis is being placed on prevention and a new team has been established to
advise those who have concerns about their behaviour and its impact on their relationships.
Our fundraising shop in the Parade in Swindon is open 6 days a week, staffed entirely by
volunteers – quality donations always welcome.
Our dedicated helpline – 01793 610610 – is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The
phone is always answered by an advisor.