GDASS Newsletter - February 2026
A monthly update of news, training and opportunities from GDASS.
Her Majesty The Queen visits GDASS
Her Majesty The Queen met frontline GDASS and Places of Safety staff supporting victims of domestic abuse in Gloucestershire in January.
During the visit, Her Majesty also met a survivor who now works for GDASS and spoke with staff about the full journey of support available to those experiencing domestic abuse.
Heather Downer, Domestic Abuse Services Manager at GreenSquareAccord, said:
"It was a great honour to welcome Her Majesty and highlight the vital work undertaken by GDASS and our partners."
Read the full story here.
Spotlight: Sexual Abuse in Domestic Abuse
As we start Sexual Violence Awareness Week, it is vital to recognise a hard truth: sexual abuse is common within domestic abuse, yet often goes unreported or unrecognised. New estimates suggest around 1 in 10 people aged 16 and over in England and Wales experienced domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking in the last year, with the figure higher for women at about 1 in 8 (ONS, 2025).
Victims may minimise what is happening, describe compliance rather than consent, or avoid disclosure entirely. Many never report to police, and professionals may struggle to ask about sexual abuse or assume it isn’t happening if there is no visible physical harm.
Avoiding the question does not protect victims. Safe, sensitive enquiry can be protective. Keep these practical points in mind:
- Make sure the environment is private and no suspected perpetrator is present.
- Use clear, non‑judgemental language.
- Use open questions such as, “Has anyone forced or pressured you into sexual activity?”
- Accept that disclosure may be partial, hesitant, or delayed.
Even small actions make a difference. You do not need the full story to act and connect someone to support.
In Gloucestershire, specialist services include:
- SARC – forensic, medical, practical and emotional support following sexual abuse
- GRASAC – provide confidential and non-judgemental support for all survivors of sexual abuse.
- First Light – Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) service providing advocacy and guidance for victims
Nationally, organisations such as Rape Crisis England & Wales and The Survivors Trust provide confidential support and pathways to local services.
As professionals, reflect not on whether sexual abuse is happening but on whether your practice allows it to be recognised. Small, safe enquiries and timely referrals can change lives.
Sector News
Abusers are using AI and digital tech to control victims
Refuge has warned that perpetrators are increasingly using smart devices, apps and AI tools to track and harm women. Cases involving tech‑enabled abuse rose sharply in late 2025, with impacts including covert tracking through smartwatches and smart home devices. Refuge is calling for stronger regulation and investment in protections. Read more from The Guardian here.
Hestia launches national Safe Spaces campaign
Hestia has launched a UK‑wide campaign to raise awareness of Safe Spaces, private rooms in high street banks and pharmacies where domestic abuse victims can discreetly access support or contact specialist services. Read more at hestia.org
Children still too often overlooked in domestic abuse cases
A recent joint inspectorate report warns that children affected by domestic abuse are not consistently recognised as victims in their own right. The findings highlight gaps in safeguarding, risk identification and multi-agency working, and call for urgent improvements to ensure children receive the protection and support they need. Read more on GOV.UK.
Research and Resources
Evidence on Housing First for middle‑aged and older women
A peer‑reviewed paper explores the Housing First model for women aged 35+ experiencing homelessness with complex needs, including those with histories of domestic abuse. It draws on evaluations of UK pilot projects and highlights the potential of Housing First to improve stability and wellbeing for women with multiple and intersecting vulnerabilities. Read more here.
Economic Abuse and Banking Sector Interventions
A recent Parliamentary briefing outlines how changes to legal aid and access to justice are affecting survivors of crime, with implications for domestic abuse cases in England and Wales. It highlights regional disparities and impacts on survivors’ ability to secure legal protection and representation, a key area for professional awareness and advocacy. Read more here.