Operating in East Berkshire and surrounding areas, The Dash Charity (Domestic Abuse Stops Here) provides refuge services, community outreach, and children’s programmes, all aiming to prevent or overcome the impact of domestic abuse. While The Dash Charity primarily supports women, it also extends certain services to men, reflecting the reality that abuse can affect anyone. Their staff includes Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) who specialise in high-risk cases—often linking survivors to the local family court if urgent protective orders are needed.
From a family-law perspective, The Dash Charity helps survivors prepare evidence for injunctions or child arrangements, ensuring they convey the nature of the abuse effectively to solicitors and judges. If finances are an issue, staff can guide them through legal aid eligibility or link them to local pro bono clinics. For children witnessing abuse, The Dash Charity’s Youth IDVAs provide emotional support, focusing on the interplay between what happens at home and potential legal ramifications (like supervised contact orders). Additionally, the charity fosters strong ties with local services—like GP surgeries or housing associations – to create a wraparound response.
Key Services
- Safe Accommodation: Refuges and emergency housing for immediate crisis situations.
- IDVA & Outreach: Tailored help for survivors, from safety planning to court accompaniment.
- Children’s Services: Therapeutic interventions for young ones, plus parent-child bonding sessions post-separation.
- Awareness & Training: Works with schools, businesses, and community groups to recognise red flags and respond appropriately.
Why It’s Valuable
The Dash Charity excels at turning local knowledge into impactful support, bridging survivors to trusted solicitors and ensuring timely protective measures. Their IDVA-led approach means survivors don’t have to navigate complicated family-law processes alone—someone is there to decode legal jargon, prep them for hearings, and emphasise self-care throughout. This continuity of care, from crisis lodging to stable independence, is crucial: it minimises the risk of survivors returning to unsafe partners due to legal intimidation or financial desperation. By addressing both the immediate threat and the longer-term legal needs, The Dash Charity stands as a cornerstone of safety and stability for families in the East Berkshire region.
Website: https://thedashcharity.org.uk/
Registered Charity Number: 1127127