Domestic abuse is a serious public health and safeguarding issue affecting millions across the UK. It includes physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse, Non-Fatal Strangulation (NFS), and coercive or controlling behaviour. It can happen to anyone and often occurs within intimate or family relationships, causing long-term harm to individuals, children, and families.
The scale of the issue is staggering:
- 3.8 million people in England and Wales experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2025.
- 262 domestic abuse-related deaths were recorded in 2024, including 98 suspected suicides following abuse.
- Children are profoundly impacted, with many living in homes where they are directly harmed by perpetrators.
Thanks to your generous donations, in November 2024 ROC was able to fund a dedicated Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Advocate (DASVA) at The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, ensuring vulnerable patients and staff receive the specialist support they deserve. Read the original article by clicking here.
So, what is DASVA? It stands for Domestic Abuse & Sexual Violence Advocate – a dedicated role providing specialist, trauma-informed support.
Above and beyond the requirements of any NHS Foundation Trust, this role was sought out to give added support to those who need it. This specialist role provides support with the following:
- Risk assessment and safety planning
- Advocacy and emotional support for patients impacted by domestic abuse and sexual violence
- Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) reporting
- Non-Fatal Strangulation reporting and referrals for medical review
- Support for staff who are survivors of domestic abuse
“I truly appreciate everything you have done for me since you first contacted me. Your guidance and support have been invaluable. When we first met, I had no idea what to do or where to turn, but with your help, I have been able to reach out to the right people, including Women’s Aid and RCM, to get the support I need.
Most importantly, you have been regularly checking in on me, which means a lot. Your kindness and direction have made such a difference in my journey, and I am truly grateful.
Thank you so much for everything.”
Feedback from patient – victim of Honour Based Abuse and Domestic abuse on Spousal VISA with No Recourse to Public Funds
How have ROC made an impact?!
One year on from ROC funding the specialist role, the DASVA has come back to us with some key feedback.
Between November 2024 and the end of 2025, the DASVA provided specialist support to approximately;
- 106 patients
- 5 non-patients
- 11 staff members
This is substantially higher than ever recorded.
DASVA recognises that effective domestic abuse intervention requires multi-agency working, as no single service can address the complex and overlapping needs of victims and vulnerable children. Robust safeguarding relies on agencies sharing information, coordinating responses and working collaboratively. The patient was assessed as a high-risk victim of domestic abuse and honour-based violence and her case was subsequently referred to and discussed at MARAC.
During the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference, the Chair noted: “Good support and oversight in place at this time.”
This is a huge success, resulting in multiple safeguarding referrals for children affected by domestic abuse, including Early Help and Children’s Services referrals.
“A major part of the role is training and learning for key individuals within the Trust who may be more likely to have to support these individuals” – DASVA
The DASVA role successfully trained the following key individuals within the hospital:
- 26 Safeguarding Champions received enhanced training in sexual violence, trauma-informed responses, sexual safety, bystander intervention, and Type 4 Female Genital Mutilation.
- 39 Domestic Abuse Champions received annual training, ensuring wards and departments are equipped to provide advice and support.
- Bespoke training was also delivered to, Line Managers, HR teams, and POAC Healthcare Assistants
These sessions were organised and facilitated by the DASVA with the help of external experts, strengthening staff confidence and practice.
Awareness campaigns have been prioritised, resulting in direct disclosures from patients and visitors. This includes awareness days around sexual abuse and the 16 days of action against violence against women and girls. These feature staff briefings, roadshows, and more.
Looking Ahead
Feedback from patients, staff, and external professionals has been overwhelmingly positive. As 2026 begins, the DASVA continues to receive heartfelt thank-you messages from those supported a powerful testament to the role’s impact.
“We thank the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Charity for making this work possible. Continued investment will ensure this vital role remains embedded within ROH, enabling sustained safeguarding, early risk identification, and improved outcomes for our most vulnerable patients” – The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Safeguarding Team.
“We’re proud and privileged to support the Trust in such vital work. Funding the DASVA role means creating a safer, more compassionate environment for those who need it most.” – Ruth Hughes Fundraising Manager, ROC.
Your support makes a real difference. By donating to ROC, you can help fund vital roles just like this one – providing life-changing support to patients, staff, and families when they need it most.
