Monday 26 February 2018

LGBT History Month


This month is LGBT History month and staff from Phoenix Domestic Abuse Services will be attending an event to recognise and celebrate the LGBT History. The event will take place at Coleg Gwent on Monday the 26th February between 11.00am and 2.00pm.
Here at Phoenix Domestic Abuse Services we recognise that domestic abuse can affect anyone regardless of gender or sexuality and we are proud to support people from all types of relationships.

Saturday 24 February 2018

RESPECT Standards

Respect is the UK membership organisation for three specialist areas of work within the domestic violence sector. RESPECT develop, deliver and support effective services for:
  • Male and female perpetrators of domestic violence
  • Male victims of domestic violence
  • Young people who use violence and abuse in close relationships
Phoenix Domestic Abuse Services are currently a member of RESPECT and are accredited to the Safe Minimum Standards. This year we will be aiming to achieve full accreditation.
In November 2017 Cath James (CEO – Phoenix Domestic Abuse Services) and Lidia Davies (Perpetrator Officer) were thrilled to attend the Westminster Launch of the new standards.
Staff also attended the Welsh launch at the Senedd in December 2017 (below)



(left to right) Jo Todd (RESPECT Chief Executive Officer) Susan Curley (Trustee – Phoenix Domestic Abuse Services) Luke Ivens (Perpetrator Manager – Phoenix Domestic Abuse Services)

Phoenix Domestic Abuse Services Perpetrator Team are now looking forward to aiming for full accreditation in 2018 to allow the great work to commence with perpetrators to decrease levels of domestic abuse in Blaenau Gwent.

Monday 19 February 2018

Meet Linzi


Linzi joined the service in 2009 and took the role of Youth Support Officer supporting young people who had witnessed domestic abuse. For the last two years Linzi has been in the role of Youth Intervention Manager. This role has involved the development and management of the Youth Team which comprises of the innovative Youth Respect Project that provides early intervention where young people are displaying abusive behaviours as well as the Youth IDVA.
Linzi provides the Youth IDVA support which directly supports young victims (11-18 years) of domestic abuse and aims to reduce current and future risk. This role allows young people the time, space and expertise to explore their understanding of abusive behaviours and guidance to consider healthy choices.
Before joining the service Linzi worked for 3 years in the youth justice system and is a qualified youth worker, IDVA, ISVA and Youth IDVA.  Linzi has also completed the gender based violence service managers qualification provided by ‘Safe Lives’.

Wednesday 14 February 2018

Valentine's Day

For those who are living with abuse, Valentine’s Day can be particularly difficult.  It can feel like there are nothing but happy, smiling couples abound on this day, holding hands and celebrating their seemingly perfect relationships.
There is also much anecdotal evidence that domestic abuse incidents can increase on Valentine’s Day and Police forces across the country are reminding the public it won’t be all hearts and flowers for everyone this Valentine’s Day.
We also encourage people to look out for the signs that a family member, friend or neighbour may be the victim of domestic abuse.
No one should live in fear and we know from experience that it can be extremely hard for victims themselves to come forward or that they may not even see themselves as a victim.
Visit our website to learn more about the signs of domestic abuse and if you or someone you know, is experiencing, or has experienced, physical, emotional or sexual violence in the home, we can give you support, help and information.

Thursday 1 February 2018

Liberty Care LTD

At Phoenix DAS we recognise and appreciate the support that some employers offer their staff in relation to domestic abuse. Recently we have supported a victim of domestic abuse who works for Liberty Care LTD (Commercial House, Commercial Street, Pontllanfraith, Blackwood NP12 2JY).
This employer provided excellent support to our client both in the workplace and by allowing her time to attend our victim support groups helping her to recover after this traumatic period in her life. Not all employers recognise how crucial their support is in helping individuals to move forward in their personal lives and within their workplace. We have personally thanked Liberty Care LTD staff involved in this case and we are pleased that they have also used internal processes to recognise those involved.
Thank you Liberty Care LTD for supporting us in working to create a society free from all forms of domestic abuse and its consequences