Two leading charities are working around the clock to provide crucial support for domestic abuse victims across the country, offering everything from emergency refuge accommodation to specialised therapy programmes that help rebuild shattered lives.

Cranstoun and Women's Aid represent the frontline of domestic abuse support in Britain, with each organisation bringing unique strengths to tackle what remains one of society's most pressing challenges. Together, they form part of a network that provides essential lifelines when victims need them most.

Cranstoun's Comprehensive Approach

Cranstoun operates domestic abuse services across multiple regions, including specialised programmes in areas like Harrow, Telford, and Bristol. The charity offers support services for adults 16+ who are victim/survivors of domestic abuse, focusing on both immediate safety and long-term recovery.

One of Cranstoun's most significant contributions is the DRIVE programme, which takes an innovative approach by working not just with survivors but also with perpetrators. The organisation delivers the DRIVE programme in South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Bristol, addressing domestic abuse from multiple angles to break the cycle of violence.

The programme has shown remarkable results in areas where it operates. Previous data shows reductions of up to 91% in high-risk physical abuse cases, demonstrating how targeted intervention can create lasting change for families affected by domestic violence.

Women's Aid: The National Network

Women's Aid is a grassroots federation working together to provide life-saving services and build a future where domestic violence is not tolerated. The organisation coordinates a nationwide network of local services, ensuring that support is available across the country regardless of location.

The charity's annual audit reveals the scale of their work. The majority of women (78.5%) placed in refuge during 2022-23 came from a different local authority area to the refuge they moved to, highlighting how domestic abuse forces victims to flee far from home to find safety.

Women's Aid has also worked with the Home Office to provide direct financial support to survivors. Between 1st October 2024, and 5th February 2025, they distributed funding that provided one-off payments to survivors of domestic abuse, supporting survivors in fleeing their situations.

24/7 Support When It Matters Most

Both organisations understand that domestic abuse doesn't follow a schedule. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline operates 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247, offering free and confidential support. Trained advisers provide emotional support, practical advice, and help victims understand their options without judgment.

Trained advisers listen about what's happening, offer emotional and practical advice and talk through support available, ensuring that every caller receives personalised assistance tailored to their specific situation.

Breaking Down Barriers

These organisations work to remove the obstacles that prevent victims from seeking help. Services are designed to be accessible regardless of background, with interpreter services available and support tailored to different communities' needs.

Cranstoun operates in partnership with local police forces and other agencies, creating integrated support systems that address both immediate safety concerns and longer-term recovery needs. This multi-agency approach ensures that victims receive comprehensive support from the moment they reach out for help.

Looking Forward

Both Cranstoun and Women's Aid continue to evolve their services based on evidence of what works. Specialist domestic abuse services are continually improving the response to domestic abuse, empowering survivors to lead meaningful lives while keeping communities safe.

Their work demonstrates that with proper support, survivors can rebuild their lives and break free from abuse. The combination of immediate crisis intervention, ongoing emotional support, and practical assistance creates pathways to safety that didn't exist for previous generations of domestic abuse survivors.

For anyone experiencing domestic abuse, help is available 24/7 through the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.

West Mercia Women's Aid | WMWA is a full member of the Women’s Aid Federation of England.

Telford & Wrekin Domestic Abuse Service - Cranstoun