Milton Keynes Women's Aid(MK-ACT)

Who we are

MK-ACT is an independent charitable organisation that works to protect adults and children from domestic (and sexual) violence and abuse by providing a range of high quality support services, including places of refuge for women and children who have experienced or are at risk of DA, and working to empower and encourage survivors to rebuild their lives, free from violence and abuse.

Our primary purpose is to address domestic abuse as experienced by those of all genders through our activities and services. In acknowledgement of the gendered nature of domestic abuse, our focus is on women and child survivors of domestic abuse.

Our Aims

·       To provide a range of high quality and effective support services for adults and their children who have experienced, or are at risk from, domestic (and sexual) violence or abuse.

·       To ensure equality of access to relevant services provided by MK ACT.

·       To promote cohesive inter-agency working and strengthening partnership working to develop strategies that will enhance the safety of and improve services for survivors and their children.

·       To enhance social justice by raising awareness and supporting campaigns for better laws, policies and services designed actively to prevent domestic and sexual violence, and/or to mitigate the impact of such experience.

·       To monitor standards and continually strive to improve our services.

Our culture and values

Our values

·        Dignity and Respect
We uphold the human rights and dignity of everyone who uses our services. Our approach is guided by their experiences and places their safety as the highest priority.

·        Empowerment
We are dedicated to delivering user-centred services that meet clients’ needs and aspirations, supporting them to take control of their own lives and those of their children.

·        High Quality
We strive to provide high quality and effective services, grounded in informed decision-making, mutual respect, and support for client autonomy.

·        Cooperation and Collaboration
We promote cooperation and collaboration with other organisations to achieve positive outcomes for survivors and their children.

·        Diversity
We recognise and value the unique contributions of all staff, volunteers, and stakeholders in helping us achieve our goals.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

MK ACT is committed to creating a workplace where everyone is treated with dignity, respect and fairness. We actively oppose all forms of discrimination, harassment and victimisation, and we expect every member of staff, volunteer and partner organisation to uphold these principles.

We value the diversity of our workforce and the communities we serve. Our approach is rooted in the belief that different perspectives, backgrounds and lived experiences strengthen our organisation and improve the support we provide to survivors.

To ensure equity and inclusion, we:

• Recruit, develop and promote staff based solely on skills, experience and merit.

• Provide equal opportunities regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership.

• Make reasonable adjustments to support disabled employees and applicants.

• Foster a safe, inclusive environment where staff can raise concerns without fear of disadvantage.

• Embed EDI principles into our policies, training, management practices and service delivery.

• Regularly review our practices to ensure they remain fair, transparent and legally compliant.

As a domestic abuse charity, we recognise the particular barriers faced by marginalised and under-represented groups. We are committed to reducing inequality, improving access to support and ensuring our workforce reflects the diversity of our community.