Stop Domestic Abuse gains new Domestic Abuse National Quality Standard Accreditation from Women’s Aid
In 2024 Women’s Aid announced the refresh of their National Quality Standards (NQS). Their ‘Gold Standard’ of accreditation now offers a robust, independent framework of good practice, informed by 50 years of leading the specialist domestic abuse sector and listening to survivors. Gaining this accreditation provides assurance of the quality and safety of service delivery to the community, commissioners and funders.
Over the last 6 months, we have worked hard to demonstrate our commitment to delivering a quality service which is professional and compassionate. After undertaking the assessment process, we are proud to say that we have been successful and have achieved the accreditation. Praise was given for the positive engagement of the service and provision of evidence highlighting all the hard work that staff undertake in providing support services to victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
Our CEO, Claire Lambon says:
“For us, being a Women's Aid member signifies a deep commitment to supporting and advocating for survivors of domestic abuse. It means being part of a network that is dedicated to ending domestic abuse and providing essential services to those affected. As a member, you are aligned with women’s led organisations that work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of women and children, offering resources, support, and a voice to those who need it most. We are part of a collective effort to influence policy and bring about legislative changes that protect and empower survivors of domestic abuse.
Holding the National Quality Standards accreditation is a mark of excellence that signifies Stop Domestic Abuse meets the highest standards in providing specialist domestic abuse services. It enhances credibility and recognition within the sector and among stakeholders. The assessment process is rigorous, ensuring that our services are effective, survivor-centered, and adhere to best practices. This helps in maintaining high-quality service delivery and continuous improvement”
Domestic Abuse isn’t just physical abuse and can manifest in many ways including physical, emotional, sexual, financial and economic, coercive control, digital and psychological abuse. Domestic abuse is an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, bullying, threatening or violent behaviour, by a partner, ex-partner or family member. Abusive behaviour can happen in any relationship and it can continue even after the relationship has ended.
Stop Domestic Abuse works across Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton to provide inclusive services supporting and protecting all those affected by domestic abuse. We provide both accommodation and community-based services through the provision of refuge, advice services, one-to-one and group support. We have one clear vision: a world without domestic abuse. We work to ensure that domestic abuse is ‘everyone’s business’, that victims are supported to recover and perpetrators are supported to change their behaviour.
If you live in Hampshire, Portsmouth or Southampton and are experiencing domestic abuse, you can call the Domestic Abuse Advice Line on 0330 0533 630 or email advice@stopdomesticabuse.uk for confidential advice and support.