Domestic abuse jobs

As a Domestic Abuse Specialist working for Aurora New Dawn, you will work to strengthen the police response to domestic abuse by providing independent, specialist expertise within police control rooms.

Based in a local police control room you will work alongside call handlers, dispatchers, and officers to:

• assess risk and ensure no opportunities for safeguarding are missed
• quality assure police responses to domestic abuse calls
• review incident logs, DASH/DARA risk assessments, and Body Worn Video (BWV) footage
• provide operational advice to officers deploying to incidents
• identify and facilitate referrals into specialist domestic abuse support services
• improve victim safety from the very first point of contact

Working under the direction of a Senior member of staff you will work independently but collaboratively with Thames Valley police, and in line with our organisational values.

This role involves supporting and developing police staff within police centres. There may also be occasions in the future where you attend callouts alongside officers to observe their engagement with victims, to provide feedback that supports risk assessment and safeguarding processes.

PLEASE NOTE: This is an on-site role which requires you to be co-located within police control rooms and/or call centres during your shifts.

MAIN DUTIES

1. Call Review and Quality Assurance

• Listen to live or recently recorded 101/999 calls to assess victim engagement and identify missed domestic abuse indicators.
• Provide constructive, specialist feedback to call handlers to strengthen practice.
• Review selected calls or conduct sampling to identify domestic abuse calls that may have been missed.
• Review body-worn video (BWV) footage as required.

1. Risk Assessment and Escalation

• Review DASH/DARA risk assessments, police logs, and intelligence systems to identify concerns.
• Escalate cases requiring regrading or altered response times to the Force Control Room (FCR) Inspector, documenting all recommendations.
• Identify risk patterns and ensure timely action to safeguard victims.

1. Operational Advice for Officers and Control Room Staff

• Provide attending officers with relevant operational advice and background information via manual intelligence checks, such as:

Ø  protective order status

Ø  history of prior callouts

Ø  known risk indicators

Ø  relevant vulnerabilities or perpetrator patterns

• Add safeguarding information to dispatch logs as appropriate.

1. Multi‑Agency Work and Referrals

• Work closely with the local Victims First Hub, other specialist services and relevant ‘By and For’ organisations to facilitate appropriate onward referrals.
• Provide guidance on appropriate pathways for victims based on risk, identity, and need.
• Support the development of posters, guidance, and resources for FCR staff relating to out‑of‑hours support.

1. Learning, Development and Culture Change

• Support, inform, and where appropriate deliver training for call handlers and new recruits.
• Contribute to identifying themes, patterns, and learning for organisational improvement.
• Participate in review meetings with TVP, OPCC, and the Aurora Management Team.

1. Independence, Governance and Data

• Maintain strict independence while collaborating constructively with police colleagues.
• Work within data protection legislation and information sharing policies, including in relation to police data.
• Maintain accurate, confidential case and activity records.

1. Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain up‑to‑date specialist knowledge of domestic abuse practice.
• Participate in regular clinical supervision, case/workload reviews and line management supervision.
• Work flexibly to meet demand and support resilience across all FCR locations.
• Uphold Aurora New Dawn’s values, ethos and confidentiality standards at all times
• Complete any other duties. appropriate to the role and level.

Corporate Responsibilities

1. The above range of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive: post holders will be expected to perform work of a similar level and responsibility when requested to do so.
2. Remain up-to-date and compliant with all organisational procedures policies and professional codes of conduct and uphold standards of best practice.
3. Observe duty to all Heath and Safety rules and take all reasonable care to promote the health and safety of yourself and others.
4. Act in a way that supports and promotes Aurora New Dawn’s Equal Opportunities Policy, which aims to ensure everyone has equal treatment and equal access to employment and services.
5. Contribute to Best value by working in an effective, efficient, and economic way, and to suggest and implement improved ways of working wherever possible. 

IT Security

All staff must strictly adhere to current Aurora New Dawn policy on IT security as instructed by Chief Executive. Any breach of this policy could invoke the Aurora New Dawn disciplinary procedures, which could result in dismissal.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

This job description is a guide to the work you will initially be required to undertake.  It may be changed from time to time to meet changing circumstances.  It does not form part of your contract of employment

DOMESTIC ABUSE SPECIALIST

Essential Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Demonstrable, direct experience of supporting victims of domestic abuse.
• Strong understanding of:
  • domestic abuse typologies
  • risk assessment and safety planning
  • dynamics of coercive control
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice principles, and their application to policing
• Ability to analyse risk quickly and accurately, including during crisis situations.
• Experience reviewing domestic abuse cases, quality assurance/audit and DIP sampling
• Knowledge of local specialist services, including By and For providers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including providing clear, constructive feedback and written reports
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and act with independence.
• Strong IT skills and ability to use case management or intelligence systems.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in a high‑pressure, fast‑moving environment.
• Confidence in representing the organisation at local meetings, training sessions and within multi-agency groups as required.
• Commitment to feminist ethos, equality, and anti‑discriminatory practice.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Desirable

• IDVA qualification via a recognised provider.
• Experience working with police or within a control room setting.
• Experience delivering training or workshops.
• Experience reviewing Body Worn Video (BWV), police logs, or intelligence systems.
• Experience working in a crisis-response environment (e.g., helplines, emergency services).

Personal Qualities

• Compassionate, empathetic, and victim/survivor‑centred.
• Non‑judgemental, empowering approach.
• Ability to challenge constructively and maintain independence.
• Adaptable, resilient, and able to manage competing demands.
• Reliable, professional, and trustworthy.
• Reflective, with commitment to continuous improvement.

Other Requirements

• Enhanced DBS
• Full Police Vetting is an essential requirement of the post and will be required on acceptance of employment. If full Level 3 Police vetting is not obtained your employment can be terminated.
• Ability to travel across Thames Valley locations.
• Access to a vehicle and valid UK driving
• This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

We encourage applications from women of all backgrounds and communities and are committed to having a team that is diverse in terms of skills, experiences, and abilities. We particularly encourage applications from disabled and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic women, as these groups are currently underrepresented in our organisation.

Job Title: Domestic Abuse Advocate (Walsall)

Position available: 1 full time position (37.5 hours, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm)

Salary: £24,784.50 - £26,872.22

Closing date: 04 June 2026

BCWA reserve the right to close this advertisement early if sufficient applications are received

All interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams

Is this you?

We are looking for someone who has experience of working with victims/survivors of domestic abuse on both one to one and in group work settings.  You will carry a caseload which includes all aspects of case management including, risk assessment, needs assessment, support planning, outcomes and case review.

The Role:

The successful candidate will be required to provide a high-quality frontline service to victims of domestic abuse, delivering a service to those at highest risk. You will be working within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership responses to domestic abuse.

If you are self-driven, conscientious, hardworking with lots of ambition we would love to hear from you.

The role
Drive is a high risk / high harm domestic abuse perpetration intervention. Its sole aim is to reduce the risk posed by those using high levels of harm towards family members and / or (ex) partners. This is achieved via disruption, diversion and direct behaviour change work, where safe to do so, within a multi-agency framework.

The Team Leader will manage a small team of Case Managers and a reduced caseload.  You will assist the Service Manager in managing the Drive service to ensure high standards of practice in service delivery. You will provide leadership to the team and contribute to the development of the service. You will manage your own reduced caseload  working one-to-one with perpetrators who have been identified as high risk to pro-actively secure engagement, influence attitudinal and behavioural change and connect with complementary services. To do this, you will work with local agencies to design a co-ordinated, strategic individual intervention plan to address identified needs and risks and promote understanding of the impact of abusive behaviours. However, it may not always be safe or possible to meet with the perpetrator. Equally as vital to risk reduction efforts is analysis of presenting information to identify ways to disrupt their abusive behaviour, alongside closeknit multiagency working to implement actions.

Throughout all intervention the Drive Team Leader will work closely with the local IDVA service to review risk, develop safety plans and improve outcomes for all parties involved.

About you

You’ll have a deep understanding of the nature of domestic abuse and its effects on clients and children, as well as the reasons behind abusive behaviours towards intimate partners.

Your knowledge extends to the range of statutory and voluntary agencies that clients and their children may encounter, and you are aware of the impact of domestic abuse on children and parenting, including the additional needs of clients from BMER communities.

You will have experience in working with clients on issues of domestic abuse, managing your own workload and administration, and assessing the risk and safety of your clients and those connected to your client.  You will have handled safeguarding disclosures and referrals, and you communicate clearly with a range of people both over the telephone and in person.

You will be organised, able to use your initiative, and work effectively as part of a multi-service team. Your administrative skills are strong, and you are adept at using a computer to maintain effective systems.

Flexible and able to travel independently. Additionally, you will understand trauma-informed practices, risk mitigation, and safeguarding. Experience liaising with social workers and other professionals, and in related areas such as substance misuse, child protection, or family support, is desirable.

We want you to feel empowered to bring your authentic self to this role, so we encourage flexible working around core hours. We offer an annual continuous Professional Development allowance, generous annual leave entitlement and Birthday leave.

About us

We want to make working at TLC an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
It takes a dedicated, passionate, and flexible team to deliver the range of services we provide. We’re lucky to have over 150 people on our teams and 12 Trustees who believe in what we do. We are looking for enthusiastic, experienced, engaged and highly motivated people to join our team.

We aim to encourage a culture where people can be themselves and be valued for their strengths. We seek to attract and employ the best people from the widest pool, reflecting the diverse range of people we support.

We want to make our recruitment processes accessible to everyone, so if there is any way that we can support you to be the best you can be, please contact us. 

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and Police vetting.

Please note: We are running an active interviewing process for this role. Rather than waiting until the application deadline to begin reviewing candidates, we start reading applications and speaking with people as they come in.

This means interviews may take place throughout the advertising period, and the role may be filled before the closing date if we find the right candidate early.

If you’re interested, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible so you can be considered in the first round of conversations.

Working Hours: 22.5 hours per week

Salary: £17,631 - £18,402.60 per annum (Based on an FTE salary of £29,385 - £30,671 per annum)

Are you looking for a rewarding role working for an intersectional feminist organisation? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you to join our team as an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (Duty & Triage) at Solace Women's Aid. 

You will be joining a team of committed and inspiring individuals whose dedication has saved the lives of thousands of women, men and children in the capital. We are looking for friendly and diligent individuals to join our services and help us make a difference.

Our core values reflect our history and were developed in consultation with staff and service users. Feminism and intersectionality are key to our work, and we are committed to the principles of being survivor-led, trauma-informed, empowering, diverse, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory.

About the Service 

Tower Hamlets Solace Advocacy and Support Service (SASS) provides advice and support to individuals aged 16 and over who are currently experiencing domestic abuse in Tower Hamlets. The service is delivered by a multidisciplinary team including Core Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs), a Duty IDVA, and a range of co-located IDVAs.

These include specialist IDVAs based within the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Housing services, the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), hospitals, and GP surgeries, alongside a Housing Floating Support Worker.

About the Role 

We are looking for a Duty and Triage IDVA to join our team. The successful candidate will act as a first point of contact for incoming referrals to Tower Hamlets SASS. As the Duty IDVA you will triage referrals into the Tower Hamlets SASS team, responding to professionals and members of the public. You will be working as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with external agencies. In addition, you will risk and needs assess and safety plan with survivors of domestic abuse. 

About You

The ideal candidate will have experience supporting individuals affected by domestic and/or sexual violence, with the ability to assess and manage risk and follow effective case management processes for a diverse and vulnerable client group.

You will have a good understanding of housing, welfare, and policy related to domestic and sexual violence, alongside strong administrative and time‑management skills, including confident use of Excel.

You will be able to manage a busy caseload and demonstrate a clear understanding of the causes and impacts of domestic and sexual abuse. Flexibility in your approach and a commitment to the values of Solace Women’s Aid are essential.

What we can offer you

We provide a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees, including:

• Flexible working
• Focus on learning and development (internal career progression and training)
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Employer pension contribution
• Family-friendly leave and enhanced maternity pay
• Access to Inclusion Networks
• Daily clinical debriefing
• Employee Assistance Programme providing free 24/7 support and advice
• Employee Benefits Platform offering staff discounts, benefits and savings
• Flow & Restore yoga classes
• Meditation sessions
• Cycle to Work Scheme

How to apply

When applying for this role, kindly highlight in your Supporting Statement how your values, knowledge, transferrable skills, and experience align with each point within the following sections of the Job Profile Document:

• Values, Behaviours & Competencies
• Knowledge, Experience and Skills

Solace Women's Aid values diversity, promotes equity, and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, abilities, perspectives, and lived experiences. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay, and benefits. Our Inclusion Networks support staff with protected characteristics and offer inclusive spaces to connect.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments as needed and support employees who acquire a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work.

This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

As part of safer recruitment practices, we carry out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and right to work in the UK checks.

No agencies.

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Domestic Abuse Refuge Service Manager to join our Domestic Abuse Social Care Service in Tower Hamlets. No personal care or experience required, just the right values.

£40,000.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.Our benefits include:

• Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
• Free DBS
• A generous pension - we will contribute up to 8% and life assurance cover up to 3x pensionable salary (T&Cs apply)

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

We embrace diversity in all its forms and are proud to employ a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to creating inclusive environments where both colleagues and the people we support can thrive.

The Opportunity

This is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced and values-driven Service Manager to lead a specialist accommodation-based service supporting up to 15 women and children fleeing domestic abuse.

What you'll do:

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

Service Leadership and Operational Management

• Lead the day-to-day delivery of the refuge service, ensuring a safe, high-quality, trauma-informed environment for women and children fleeing domestic abuse.

Safeguarding, Risk and Safety Management

• Oversee the completion and quality assurance of customer risk assessments, individual safety plans, and support plans to ensure they remain person-centred, responsive, and outcome-focused.

Staff Leadership and Performance Management

• Provide strong and effective leadership to the refuge team, creating a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture focused on delivering excellent customer outcomes.

Quality Assurance, Partnerships and Service Development

• Work collaboratively with the Head of Service and Quality team to ensure the service consistently delivers excellent standards of support, achieves compliance requirements, and embeds best practice across all areas of delivery.

Compliance and Professional Practice

• Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with organisational policies, procedures, legislation, and professional standards.

About you:

Knowledge and Experience

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of domestic abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), including the impact on women, children, and families.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams to deliver high-quality, trauma-informed services.
• Strong risk assessment, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, particularly in relation to safeguarding and high-risk cases.

Personal Qualities

• Commitment to delivering person-centred, empowering, and inclusive services.

About us:

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Job Title: Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) – Male Victims Only

Position available: 1 full-time position (37.5 hours), available to male and female applicants

Salary: £25,282.44 - £28,861.62 (dependent upon qualifications and experience)

Closing date: 04 June 2026

BCWA reserve the right to close this advert before the closing date

All interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams

Is this you?

We are looking for a qualified/unqualified IDVA (training may be provided for the right candidate) to join our dynamic team.

We are looking for someone with experience of supporting victims/survivors of domestic abuse, managing a caseload and understanding the principles of safeguarding children and adults. The post holder will have a good understanding of the dynamics of domestic abuse and how this can affect victims.

This is a challenging role that requires empathy, compassion, excellent interpersonal and caseload management skills, a client-centred approach and proactive crisis intervention.

The Role:

Our Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA) provide a high-quality frontline domestic abuse support service to those at high risk of harm. IDVAs support victims of domestic abuse to assess level of risk, inform victims of their options and develop tailored safety plans to protect the victim and their children. They work within a multi-agency framework to advocate for the victim, including responding to and reporting to Multi-agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC) on behalf of the victim.

The role supports the empowerment of victims/survivors, assisting them to recognise the dynamics of domestic abuse present in their own situation through one-to-one support and group work, to help them regain control of their lives. 

If you are self-driven, compassionate and hardworking with lots of ambition we would love to hear from you.

Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid have for over 45 years supported women and children with services around domestic violence and abuse. Could you be a part of our team as we continue our mission to end domestic violence and abuse? 

The region’s leading charity in tackling violence against women and girls, BSWA offers a helpline, webchat, drop in and and community support as well as emergency accommodation in six refuges across the area.

Projects supports women in the criminal justice system, in healthcare settings, and throughout the community, offering support to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Alongside this, we also have staff offering training and consultancy to businesses and health and social care professionals alike, raising awareness on gender based violence issues.

We seek like-minded women to join our enthusiastic team of workers, all of us passionate about the vital and valuable work we do to support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, and tackling the wider issues of violence against women and girls. 
 

This role will work very closely with Birmingham Children’s Trust Multi-Disciplinary Family Drug and Alcohol team, ensuring domestic abuse is recognised and managed safely while women and children work through the Trial For Change programme.

Experience required: 

- Providing emotional and practical support to families with diverse and complex needs including domestic violence, substance misuse and mental health issues

- Undertaking family assessments using a variety of assessment tools

- Working within safeguarding guidelines to protect and promote the well-being of children and vulnerable adults

- Planning and delivering appropriate programmes of direct work and evaluating their effectiveness
 

Benefits

• 31 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays) 

• Up to 6% matched pension contribution 

• Free access to Employee Assistance Programme 

• Life Assurance scheme while in employment (a lump sum of 4 times salary) 

• Cycle to Work scheme 

• Health Cash Plan scheme available to all employees from day one 

• Successful candidates may have the opportunity to work under hybrid working arrangements, subject to the role and to the terms of our Hybrid Working Policy 

BSWA is a Disability Confident Employer. We want everyone to have equal chance at being considered for our jobs. Should you be unable to submit your application online and would prefer an alternative method, or you are experiencing another barrier to completing your application, please contact our recruitment team.

These posts are covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010) and women only need apply.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is at 12 noon on Friday 22nd May.

We are looking for resilient and dedicated people to join our new specialist high risk domestic abuse service as Independent Domestic Violence Advocate's (IDVA).

As a new service, we have 4 x full time IDVA positions available. These posts are initially offered on a fixed-term basis for one year, with the potential for extension subject to future funding. These roles are full time, working a hybrid with two days per week expected to work from our centrally located office in Boscombe. Due to the nature of the role, the successful applicants would be expected to travel regularly across the Dorset county.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we offer

At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Welcome Bonus: £500 on successful completion of probation period.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.

About the Role

As a IDVA you will provide high quality support to victims of domestic violence and abuse. You will deliver and provide support in five key areas to support victims to:

• Feel safer
• Feel informed about their rights and the criminal justice system
• Feel listened to and heard
• Be able to implement healthy coping mechanisms
• Be connected with services who are available to help them

Key Responsibilities

As an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate you will:

• provide appropriate non-therapeutic support to victims of domestic abuse via their preferred contact method.
• undertake needs and risk assessments to develop tailored individual safety and support plans to address the specific needs of the victim.
• use a bespoke case management system to maintain accurate and confidential record keeping and contribute to the collection of outcomes.
• liaise with the police, social services, CPS, and other agencies on the client's behalf, with the client's consent maintaining confidentiality
• provide information to victims to enable them to make informed choices about their future options. Ensuring that the voices, needs, rights and legal entitlements of older people are heard and understood by all individuals and organisations.

About You:

Ideally, you will hold an approved and accredited IDVA qualification (or you must be willing to work towards one)

You will need:

• A strong understanding of domestic abuse and violence and the impact this has on victims.
• Experience of working with victims of crime (preferably domestic abuse) including completing risk assessments and safety planning
• Experience of managing a caseload and keeping clear case management records.
• Experience of adapting communication styles to be able to effectively communicate.
• An understanding of trauma informed practice and how to implement this within your work
• A through understanding of the criminal justice system and the Victim's Code
• An understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding and other legal requirements
• Good IT skills including experience with working within bespoke case management systems and using Microsoft Office Packages.
• Organised and methodical approach to work with the ability to plan, prioritise and organise workload

This role involves regular travel and due to the location, a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you are unable to drive because of a disability, please indicate this in your application in your personal statement so we can explore the feasibility of alternative arrangements.

About Us

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

How to apply

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible

Job Title: Regional Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)

Location: Sandwell, Walsall, Dudley (location to be confirmed)

Position available: 1 full-time position (37.5 hours)

Salary: £25,282.44 - £28,861.62 (dependent upon qualifications and experience)

Closing date: 04 June 2026

BCWA reserve the right to close this advert before the closing date

All interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams

Is this you?

We are looking for a qualified/unqualified IDVA (training may be provided for the right candidate) to join our dynamic team.

We are looking for someone with experience of supporting victims/survivors of domestic abuse, managing a caseload and understanding the principles of safeguarding children and adults. The post holder will have a good understanding of the dynamics of domestic abuse and how this can affect victims.

The Role:

Our Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA) provide a high quality frontline domestic abuse support service to those at high risk of harm. As an IDVA, you will support victims of domestic abuse to assess level of risk, inform victims of their options and develop tailored safety plans to protect the victim and their children. You will work within a multi-agency framework to advocate for the victim, including responding and reporting to Multi-agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC) on behalf of the victim.

The role also supports the empowerment of victims/survivors, assisting them to recognise the dynamics of domestic abuse present in their own situation through one to one support and group work, to help them regain control of their lives. 

We are looking for a resilient and dedicated people to join our new specialist high risk domestic abuse service as Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVA).

As a new service, we have 2 x full time IDVA positions available. These roles are full time, working a hybrid with two days per week expected to work from our centrally located office in Boscombe. Due to the nature of the role, the successful applicants would be expected to travel regularly across the Dorset county.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we offer

At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Welcome Bonus: £500 on successful completion of probation period.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.

About the Role

As an IDVA you will provide high quality support to victims of domestic violence and abuse. You will deliver and provide support in five key areas to support victims to:

• Feel safer
• Feel informed about their rights and the criminal justice system
• Feel listened to and heard
• Be able to implement healthy coping mechanisms
• Be connected with services who are available to help them

Key Responsibilities:

As an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate you will:

• provide appropriate non-therapeutic support to victims of domestic abuse via their preferred contact method.
• undertake needs and risk assessments to develop tailored individual safety and support plans to address the specific needs of the victim.
• use a bespoke case management system to maintain accurate and confidential record keeping and contribute to the collection of outcomes.
• liaise with the police, social services, CPS, and other agencies on the client's behalf, with the client's consent maintaining confidentiality
• provide information to victims to enable them to make informed choices about their future options.

About You:

Ideally, you will hold an approved and accredited IDVA qualification (or you must be willing to work towards one)

You will need:

• A strong understanding of domestic abuse and violence and the impact this has on victims.
• Experience of working with victims of crime (preferably domestic abuse) including completing risk assessments and safety planning
• Experience of managing a caseload and keeping clear case management records.
• Experience of adapting communication styles to be able to effectively communicate.
• An understanding of trauma informed practice and how to implement this within your work
• A through understanding of the criminal justice system and the Victim's Code
• An understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding and other legal requirements
• Good IT skills including experience with working within bespoke case management systems and using Microsoft Office Packages.
• Organised and methodical approach to work with the ability to plan, prioritise and organise workload

This role involves regular travel and due to the location, a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you are unable to drive because of a disability, please indicate this in your application in your personal statement so we can explore the feasibility of alternative arrangements.

About Us:

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible

We are looking for a proactive and compassionate Hospital Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse within a hospital setting.

The role is based at Princess Royal University Hospital along with some working from the Victim Support office in Old Street and some home working.

What we offer:

At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.

About the Role:

As an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate you will provide pro-active, high quality, frontline service to victims of domestic abuse through on-going risk assessment, providing individual safety planning, trauma-informed support, guidance, information, and advocacy and enabling victim/survivors to access the services they need in the aftermath of the abuse and trauma they have experienced.

You may work within a Hospital Trust's Safeguarding Team to support both patients and staff in an Acute Hospital setting, who have experienced Domestic Abuse. You will make initial contact with victims of domestic abuse, explaining our services and assessing the impact of crime, or receive referrals from colleagues, in order to provide on-going support and case management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess risks and needs using evidence-based checklists.
• Focus on high-risk cases with short to medium-term crisis intervention.
• Assist high-risk victims in accessing safety services.
• Deliver tailored support and information.
• Understand legal frameworks for protecting children and vulnerable adults.
• Provide advocacy on legal, housing, health, and financial options.
• Empower clients to recognize domestic abuse dynamics.
• Participate in Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC).
• Work with a team to deliver respectful, dignified, and sensitive services.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case records.
• Comply with data protection laws and organizational policies.
• Stay updated with procedures, policies, and professional codes.

About You:

Ideally, you will have knowledge about legal remedies for domestic abuse victims and have experience working with drug, alcohol, and mental health issues. An understanding of benefits, housing, and homelessness would also be beneficial.

You will need:

• Strong understanding of domestic abuse and its impact.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Experience in statutory, voluntary, or multi-agency settings.
• Competency in risk and needs assessment frameworks.
• Understanding of safeguarding issues.
• Direct service delivery experience to victims or vulnerable people.
• Ability to manage complex caseloads and prioritize work.
• Strong crisis management skills.
• Effective communication, negotiation, and advisory skills.
• Commitment to equal opportunities and diversity.

About Us:

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

Job Title: Duty Independent Gender Violence Advocate (Duty IGVA)

Location: The Gaia Centre (Lambeth, London)
Salary: £23,085.69 per annum (Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement)

Contract type: Part Time, Permanent 

Hours: 30 hours per week. As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota. Operating hours of the service 8am- 6pm Monday- Friday with the expectation to work on some days 8- 4pm or 10- 6pm to cover duty shifts.

We are recruiting for a Duty Independent Gender Violence Advocate (IGVA) who will be working closely with survivors of domestic, and other gender-based abuse to provide high quality independent support, guidance and advice to survivors across all risk levels and their children.

In this role the Duty IGVA is a part of a busy team. The Duty IGVA will be the first point of contact for survivors who have been referred to the Gaia Centre by other professionals. The Duty IGVA also will be responsible for processing any self-referrals of individuals contacting the service and wishing to access support. The Duty IGVA will be responsible for responding to daily enquiries from partnership agencies, public and impacted individuals over the phone and email.

In some circumstances the Duty IGVA will be contacting survivors directly to assess their level of risk and needs to ensure eligibility. The Duty IGVA will be responsible for carrying out and implementing safety plans and needs assessments. The Duty IGVA will ensure an effective handover of the case to the relevant team for ongoing support.

The Duty IGVA will empower survivors by providing them with emotional, practical and personal welfare support. The Duty IGVA will ensure that survivors are provided with a safe, supportive and welcoming environment, enabling them to access their rights, make decisions and increase their life options. The job involves working within a multi-agency framework consisting of the MARAC and local partnership protocols and procedures that prioritise the safety of survivors.

The job involves informing survivors of the full range of civil, criminal and practical options that might increase their safety. The jobalso  involves working in a fast-paced environment.

As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota.

Please note that this post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing Date: 09:00am 11 June 2026

Interview Date: 19 June 2026