We stand firm in the belief that every individual deserves the choice to live with dignity, not dependence.
Fighting domestic abuse since 1974, this core principle guides our mission and actions.
Our Mission
Effecting change in society to create safer futures free from Domestic Abuse
Our Vision
Our vision is for a safer future, creating a society which recognises and supports victims of domestic abuse and regards all abuse as unacceptable.
With an integrated approach built on innovation, we will be at the forefront, supporting victims and survivors, and leading progressive change within society through prevention, education and awareness-raising.
Our Heritage
In 1974, Jenni Manners (MBE) campaigned passionately that Swindon should establish a refuge for women and their children fleeing domestic abuse.
Swindon Women’s Aid was first registered as a charity on 27th November 1974, with the doors to the refuge opening on 25th August 1975 becoming one of the first operational refuges outside of London. Since then, we have helped thousands of victims and survivors to start new lives which are free from violence and abuse.
Since 2019, Swindon Women’s Aid (SWA) began trading as Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service (SDASS) to reflect the fact that domestic abuse can affect anyone, and help is available to everyone.
In January 2025, the charity became Society Without Abuse. This reflects the changing activities of the organisation which now include work outside the immediate Swindon area, and work with all who need support. Now working with women, men and children affected by abuse, we are raising awareness, improving education, actively focussed on prevention and engaging with perpetrators who wish to change.
These innovative and integrated programmes are all building towards our ultimate goal of a society without abuse.
WAFE Accreditation
The Women’s Aid organisation provides a set of criteria against which we are assessed regularly and must prove ourselves against criteria that promote positive survivor outcomes such as:
- Physical and emotional recovery
- Rights and access
- Safety and dignity
- Sustainability and autonomy.
The National Quality Standards are frequently referenced by commissioners, and the government has used them as assessment criteria for the last three rounds of national domestic violence funding released by the Department of Communities and Local Government.
Our Team of Heroes
Dame Sarah Troughton DCVO
Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire
Dame Esther Rantzen
Our Board of Trustees
Nicky Alberry DL
Mark Bates
Cathey Groombridge
Jill Lawrence
Angus Macpherson MBE DL
Karen Gardner
Our Associate Members
Prof Tracy Daszkiewicz FFPH
Our Partners
We work in partnership with many strategic organisations in Swindon, Wiltshire and beyond to tackle domestic abuse and to promote a zero-tolerance approach to Domestic Abuse.
How is SWA funded?
Our services are funded both from grants from foundations and individual donors.
Additionally, we raise money directly ourselves through our Survivor shop in Swindon town centre.
