Today the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Nicole Jacobs launches VOICES, a virtual platform for victims and survivors of domestic abuse to influence change to improve the lives of other victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
From today, victims and survivors, as well as friends and family bereaved by domestic abuse, can sign up to receive the VOICES email newsletter, which will include opportunities for victims and survivors to share their experiences, as well as providing relevant updates on the work of the domestic abuse sector, government and academics.
The Domestic Abuse Commissioner is also inviting victims and survivors to share their views in a survey on their experiences with the police.
We know that when the voices of victims and survivors are centred and listened to, services and agencies can improve their response so that anyone who has experienced domestic abuse can get the support and protection they need.
The first priority in the Commissioner’s strategic plan is to raise the voices of victims and survivors.
The Domestic Abuse Commissioner receives correspondence from hundreds of victims and survivors each year who want to use their experience to change things for the better.
The Domestic Abuse Commissioner also hears from many organisations across the domestic abuse sector, universities, and local and national government, who are looking to include the voices of those with lived experience in their work. This may include hearing from victim and survivors who live/have lived in a particular area, or who have had experience with a particular organisation/agency.
The Commissioner’s unique position creates a perfect environment to connect survivors who wish to use their voice, with organisations who need them.
The Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Nicole Jacobs says, “It is very important to me that I hear from a diverse range of people with lived experience of domestic abuse and that they are able to use their voice to create meaningful change.
“I hear from hundreds of victims and survivors of domestic abuse who want to do just this but haven’t been given the opportunity to do so.
“That’s why I am delighted to be launching VOICES today, a platform that I hope will raise the voices of victims and survivors who want to have a seat at the table.”
- Please visit the VOICES page to find out more about the platform, including FAQs which we hope will answer any questions you might have.
- Please visit the Why Lived Experience Matters to find out about what lived experience is and why it is important.