GDASS Newsletter - January 2026
A monthly update of news, training and opportunities from GDASS.
Spotlight: Supporting Boundaries After Domestic Abuse
For someone who has experienced domestic abuse, setting and maintaining boundaries can feel nearly impossible. Abuse, particularly coercive control, teaches that asserting limits can trigger anger, punishment, or further harm from abusers. Over time, this can erode confidence, blur understanding of personal rights, and make everyday decisions feel risky. Even in safe environments, survivors may struggle to say no, voice their needs, or advocate for themselves.
Professionals play a crucial role in supporting survivors to rebuild these skills. Practical approaches include:
1. Offer clear choices
- Present options in manageable steps. For example, instead of asking “What do you want to do?”, try “Would you like to speak now, or would you prefer to schedule a time later?”
- Small, safe decisions help rebuild confidence and a sense of control.
2. Respect autonomy and pace
- Avoid pressuring someone to disclose information, take action, or respond immediately.
- Survivors often need time to process, evaluate risks, and make decisions at their own speed.
3. Observe subtle cues
- Behaviours such as excessive compliance, hesitation, or minimising concerns may reflect past abuse, not lack of engagement.
- Be mindful that these behaviours are survival strategies, not indications of disinterest or weakness.
4. Create predictable, safe interactions
- Consistency in communication, scheduling, and boundaries helps rebuild trust.
- Clear expectations and reliable follow-through show that the professional environment is a safe space.
5. Validate boundaries
- Actively acknowledge limits set by the individual, reinforcing that their choices are respected and valued.
- Even small acts, such as honouring a request not to be contacted at certain times, send powerful messages of safety and autonomy.
6. Collaborate on support
- Encourage reflection on needs and priorities.
- Support the individual in practising asserting boundaries in safe, controlled environments, gradually increasing confidence over time.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Assuming someone can immediately advocate for themselves or make decisions under pressure.
- Ignoring subtle cues of discomfort or compliance.
- Offering support in inconsistent or unpredictable ways, which can undermine trust.
- Pressuring disclosure or action before the survivor is ready, which can retraumatise.
By recognising the impact of abuse on boundaries and applying trauma-informed, practical support strategies, professionals can help survivors regain autonomy, confidence, and a sense of control over their lives.
Sector News
New Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Strategy Launched
The new three‑year domestic abuse strategy outlines refreshed approaches to prevention, early identification, and multi‑agency response across the county. Read more here.
VAWG Strategy to Better Protect Children from Misogyny and Abuse
The UK Government has published a new VAWG strategy focusing on healthy relationships, consent education, and early prevention measures, signalling long‑term policy shifts aimed at tackling violence against women and girls. Read more here.
Prosecutions for strangulation surge across England & Wales
Latest Crown Prosecution Service figures show prosecutions for strangulation and suffocation offences have increased sharply since the Domestic Abuse Act offence was introduced, highlighting the seriousness with which the justice system is now treating this form of abuse. Read more here.
Research and Resources
Spotlight Study on Improving Risk Assessment Tools
A new research report has examined the performance of tools designed to predict deadly domestic abuse and suggests areas for improvement to better protect women and other victims. This work highlights ongoing limitations in current risk prediction approaches and offers evidence on how tools might be strengthened to identify danger earlier. Read more here.
Economic Abuse and Banking Sector Interventions
A new UK study has brought together victim–survivors and banking professionals to explore how economic abuse could be mitigated by design changes in the financial sector. The research calls on banks to consider proactive interventions that ‘design out’ opportunities for financial coercion and abuse, signalling a move towards systemic prevention. Read more here.
The Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Training Pathway
Entry Level: Introduction to Domestic Abuse Awareness
For all staff. A 1.5 hour general introduction to domestic abuse, what support services exist, and your role in identifying and responding to abuse, including safeguarding colleagues and employees.
Level 1: Domestic Abuse Basic Awareness Training
For frontline and support staff. The 2.5 hour training explores the different types of abuse, its impact, associated risks, and equips staff to recognise signs, ask safe questions, and take appropriate action.
Level 2: Enhanced Domestic Abuse Training
For frontline staff working directly with victims. The half day training provides an in-depth understanding of domestic abuse, complex needs, trauma-informed practice, and safeguarding.
Level 2: Domestic Abuse and Risk Training
For frontline staff working directly with victims. The half day training focuses on risk assessment skills (including DASH), MARAC processes, and multi-agency safeguarding responses.
We also offer the two Level 2 training sessions as a single full-day Level 2 Enhanced Domestic Abuse and Risk training session, bringing together in-depth understanding of domestic abuse with practical DASH risk assessment and MARAC practice. Confirmed in-person delivery dates include 29th January (Forest of Dean) and 12th February (Gloucester), with additional dates to be released.
In addition, specialist training for health professionals is available and can be booked via Eventbrite or by emailing gdasshealthteam@gdass.org.uk.