Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service Supporting victims of domestic abuse within the LGBT community Free and Confidential Service 0845 602 9035 What is Domestic Abuse? Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can take the form of psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse. Home OfficeWho we are and what we doGloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) offers support to anyone over the aged of 16, who has experienced or is experiencing domestic abuse.This includes those going through, or who have experienced, 'honour'-based violence, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and dowry crime. All of our services are free and confidential. Floating support We'll provide support to women and men who have experienced domestic abuse. This can take place over the telephone, at home or at a venue in the community agreed by you and your support worker. Floating support will normally last around 12 weeks and is tailored to the support needs identified by you and your support worker.Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA) Our IDVAs work with people who have been assessed as being at high risk of serious harm through domestic abuse. An IDVA will work with you to reduce the risks to you so that you are safe and able to access longer term support through our floating support programme. IDVAs work closely with other agencies to develop a plan to reduce the risks, this includes the police and safeguarding services. We also have two Court IDVAs who are specially trained to support people going through the Criminal Justice System. This could be helping you to convey your wishes to the court; explaining the court process; or supporting you through a trial or hearing. Places of safety If it's not possible for you to stay in your own home, we'll support you to access a 'place of safety'. You will be able to remain in a place of safety until you are able to return to your own home, or you are able to move on to a new home.If you don't want to leave your home but aren't feeling safe there, we can support you to access the Sanctuary Scheme. This scheme allows you to apply for safety alterations to be made in your home. Young people We have specialist workers who are trained to work with young people around domestic abuse issues. People aged between 16 and 18 will be allocated to staff trained to work specifically with young people. We run CRUSH - a group work programme for young people aged between 13 and 19, which works around the effects of abuse and supports young people to make healthy relationship choices. These are available to young people who have experienced or witnessed domestic abuse, and to those who may be displaying abusive behaviours. RAE (Relationships. Abuse. Education.) is a project designed to deliver workshops to young people in an education or youth club setting. It's designed to run alongside county education initiatives around domestic abuse and healthy relationships. Making a referral Voluntary agencies and statutory services who meet people experiencing domestic abuse can make a referral to us. We particularly welcome self-referrals directly from individuals. A referral forms is available on our website. Simply complete the online form and press submit. Referrals can also be made by phoning our helpdesk.Gay GlosLocal community group supporting LGBT people, their families and friends. Phone 01452 306800. Supporting victims of domestic abuse Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Service Free and confidential service 0845 602 9035 support@gdass.org.uk facebook.com/GDASSglos twitter.com/GDASS_ Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) is delivered by GreenSquare Group and Splitz Support Service. Both organisations are experienced in delivering domestic abuse services in the region.