GDASS Newsletter September 2025
A monthly update of news, training and opportunities from GDASS.
Spotlight: Rising Threats and Strangulation Among Young People
The Emerging Picture
Recent data from UK domestic abuse services shows a worrying rise in violent threats, non-fatal strangulation, and coercive control among young people aged 16–25.
In the past year alone:
- Over 500 young survivors supported by frontline services reported experiencing physical violence.
- Around half of these victims had been strangled or suffocated - a 9% increase on the previous year.
- Among those reporting psychological abuse, nearly half had received threats of harm, and over one-third had been threatened with death.
Strangulation is one of the clearest warning signs of potential homicide. It is often accompanied by other forms of abuse, including threats, intimidation, and manipulation. While the headlines focus on physical violence, psychological abuse is equally damaging and can escalate to life-threatening situations if left unchecked.
Why This Matters for Your Work
Many victims, particularly younger ones, may not recognise that what they are experiencing is abuse, especially when it begins with controlling behaviours rather than physical assaults. These behaviours can include:
- Monitoring phone use and social media
- Isolating them from friends and family
- Controlling money or resources
- Making repeated threats to harm them or the people they care about
By the time physical violence occurs, the pattern of coercive control is often deeply entrenched. Professionals in health, education, housing, youth work, and community services need to spot these early warning signs and create safe opportunities for disclosure.
The Role of Education and Early Intervention
Education on healthy relationships is critical. Schools, colleges, universities, and youth services have a unique opportunity to talk openly about coercive control, consent, and respect, helping young people recognise abuse before it escalates.
At the same time, specialist support services must be accessible, visible, and trusted. Without this, victims may feel they have nowhere to turn, particularly if they fear not being believed or worry about repercussions from their abuser.
Your Call to Action
- Treat any disclosure of non-fatal strangulation seriously
- Recognise coercive control as a key predictor of serious harm
- Create safe, private spaces to ask about domestic abuse without judgment
- Know and use the referral routes for domestic abuse support, like GDASS
If you are concerned about someone, help is available.
GDASS (Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service)
- Helpdesk: 01452 726570
- Professionals Line: 01452 726561
Email: support@gdass.org.uk - Visit: www.gdass.org.uk
STREET (Safe Teenage Relationship Education & Empowerment Team)
- Call: 01452 228 802
- Email: streetreferrals@victimsupport.org.uk
- Visit: STREET - GloucesterCYP
Read more from the Refuge report here.
StreetSafe Launch in Gloucestershire
GDASS is supporting a new initiative from Gloucestershire Constabulary to promote StreetSafe– the national online tool where people can anonymously report locations where they feel unsafe.
Many of you may remember the Flare app, which highlighted places where people felt unsafe. StreetSafe builds on this approach, helping statutory agencies and partners understand not just where crime occurs, but also where people feel unsafe, even if no criminal offence has been committed. This insight is vital for improving public spaces and keeping communities, particularly women and girls, safer.
Since 2021, StreetSafe has received 191 reports in Gloucestershire. A coordinated communications campaign, launching in early/mid-September to align with Freshers’ Week, aims to raise awareness and encourage more people to share their concerns.
Reports are fully anonymous and can include details about why someone felt unsafe in a particular location. This information allows partners, including GDASS, to work together to reduce risks and improve safety across the county.
At GDASS, we know that awareness and early reporting are key to preventing harm. Tools like StreetSafe help us understand where people feel vulnerable and act before risk escalates.
Sector News
DASH Risk Assessment Under Scrutiny
The UK’s primary domestic abuse risk assessment tool, DASH (Domestic Abuse, Stalking, Harassment, and Honour-Based Violence), is facing criticism. Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips has acknowledged its "obvious problems" and called for its replacement. Research indicates that many victims, later subjected to severe abuse or homicide, were initially classified as low or medium risk. Read more here.
Government Cracks Down on Honour-Based Abuse
The government has announced new measures to tackle so-called honour-based abuse (HBA), including a clear legal definition, statutory guidance, enhanced risk assessments, and improved professional training for police, social workers, and healthcare staff. A pilot study and awareness campaign will help victims come forward, while specialist groups like Karma Nirvana have welcomed the changes. In 2024–25, 2,755 HBA-related offences were recorded in England and Wales, highlighting the need for stronger action. Read more here.
Government Introduces 'Restriction Zones' for Domestic Abusers
The UK government has announced plans to introduce "restriction zones" for domestic abusers, designed to limit their movements and prevent them from entering areas frequented by their victims. Probation officers will carry out risk assessments in collaboration with survivors, and breaches of these zones could result in imprisonment. This initiative builds on existing exclusion measures and aims to provide victims with greater safety and freedom in their daily lives. Read more here.
Research and Resources
Webinar: Teenage Relationship Abuse, Building Healthy Relationships for Life by The For Baby's Sake Trust
The For Baby’s Sake Trust, in partnership with Talk Listen Change, is hosting a free one-hour webinar exploring teenage relationship abuse and the foundations of healthy relationships. With 16–24-year-olds the most at-risk age group for domestic abuse, this session will cover the signs and patterns of abusive relationships, the impact of early experiences on future behaviour, and the importance of relationship education and trauma-informed support. Practitioners, educators, social workers, and others supporting young people will gain practical insights to help prevent abuse and promote safe, respectful relationships. Watch the webinar here.
Calls for Improved Support for Girls Aged 10–15
A recent parliamentary report, informed by University of York academic Professor Vanita Sundaram, highlights the alarming prevalence of violence against girls, particularly those aged 10–15. The report underscores the need for urgent, coordinated efforts to address this issue within schools, communities, and online spaces. It points to systemic failures, including inadequate data collection and underreporting, and emphasises the importance of comprehensive, long-term strategies to combat gender-based violence and harassment. The full report is available here.