Supporting victims of domestic abuse

Registered charity EDAN Lincs is marking 25 years of providing local and trusted domestic abuse services in Lincolnshire.

Accoring to EDAN Lincs (Ending Domestic Abuse Now in Lincolnshire), domestic abuse in all its forms results in a call to the police in the UK every 30 seconds, and last year the charity helped over 13,000 people in the county.

The charity explains that domestic abuse does not discriminate and is not limited to any specific socio-economic group. It occurs across all levels of society, regardless of wealth, health, or status.

Research indicates that nearly one in four women has experienced “severe” physical violence from an intimate partner. National statistics show that one in four women and one in six men suffer domestic abuse during their lifetime. Lack of financial independence can exacerbate the impact of abuse, making it harder to leave, but it affects people from all backgrounds.

“Domestic abuse encompasses more than physical violence; it includes a range of abusive behaviours aimed at maintaining power and control within relationships,” explains a charity spokesperson.

“EDAN Lincs provides person-centred support and recognises that individual experiences are unique, the trauma of living with domestic abuse can run deep and debilitate the victim and any children in the household.

“Escaping the abusive relationship is the first step in recovery and can be overwhelming. Feelings of guilt, loss and grief are often part of the process.

“Our refuges provide safe accommodation for 23 families/adults (male, female and members of the LGBTQ community) with or without children (usually our refuges have approx. 40-50 children at any one time) who have fled domestic abuse. For our refuge staff, whilst the role can be challenging and demanding, the rewards are many. Staff are privileged to support our individuals and families through their journey, listening, believing and advocating for them on a daily basis. 

“Recently, one of our residents finally received their certificate for British Citizenship, a journey that had been prolonged and difficult. However, with support from staff, after nine months the long-awaited certificate arrived in the post, and staff purchased flowers for our resident in celebration. That was a really good day.

“Another resident, an elderly male that secured his forever home, cried when he left, continually thanking staff and stating [that] without us he would be dead. On arrival he had no bank account, no identification, no income and worst of all, no hope. We are pleased to say he is thriving and whilst adjusting to living independently, he does still like to give us a call and check in with us. 

“Staff are able to celebrate these achievements with our residents and whilst it is always nice to be thanked for the work we do, we will always reiterate that we didn’t do it, we just provided the time, space and knowledge for them to make the choices they needed to make for themselves and their children. They are the real heroes, the survivors.”

Humble beginnings
The charity was established in 1999 after a small group of individuals identified the need for a local domestic abuse support service.

During this time it operated out of a small office in Gainsborough and served the town and then the West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire, providing outreach services and running a small refuge that could house up to three families at a time.

“In 2013, the charity remit was widened to include support for male victims and expanded our support services to cover a number of districts that make up West Lincolnshire. At the same time we rebranded as West Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Service (EDAN Lincs) and invested in extra refuge provision.

“From 2018 we saw further growth and expansion, being commissioned by Lincolnshire County Council to provide countywide Outreach and IDVA services. We subsequently changed our name to EDAN Lincs.

In 2020 EDAN Lincs refuge services became countywide.

“We now have 23 units of refuge across Lincolnshire. Our refuges comprise two multi-occupancy refuges (11 unit shared accommodation and five unit refuge) and seven dispersed properties. That means that at any one time, we can accommodate 23 families/individuals needing to flee domestic abuse.”

Support and services
The Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Specialist Service Outreach Engagement Team has trained 311 Domestic Abuse Champions across Lincolnshire at multiple events between October 2023 and April 2024.

“This incredible service is new and so appreciated by local leaders, members of the community, professionals and businesses. The DA Champion training gives you the tools to confidently approach situations and respond appropriately and effectively, whilst helping you to understand the impact from the victim’s perspective.

“Lincolnshire is the second largest county in the UK and is 72% rural – a demographic known to be hard to reach. People in Lincolnshire are not aware of where to go for help when they experience domestic abuse. That’s why we need eyes and ears everywhere. DA Champions are recruited in all walks of life to support this.

“We need to make Domestic Abuse everyone’s business because [it’s] communities and working together that bring better outcomes for the victims or survivors.”

In 2023 EDAN Lincs was commissioned to deliver ‘Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Specialist Services’ (LDASS) by Lincolnshire County Council with support from the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner and the NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board.

The new service includes:
• ‘Universal Offer of Support’ accessible to everyone (www.ldass.org.uk)
• Support Hub (including helpline offering support and advice)
• Adult & Children Intervention and IDVA support
• An Outreach Engagement Team, training DA Champions across the county, to be able to recognise and signpost individuals who may be impacted by domestic abuse to specialist support services
• Recovery Support, including Empowerment Workshops and survivor support groups

“Moving forward we will continue to work in partnership with agencies, Community Connectors, GP surgeries, volunteers, wellbeing groups, housing associations, solicitors, peer pressure support groups, non-English speaking groups, and other groups across the county ensuring that no-one who is experiencing domestic abuse is left unsupported.

“Working together to help the person who has experienced domestic abuse and understand what the trauma of domestic abuse does to you, your normal behaviour, habits and even your brain, affecting choices you make and making you even more vulnerable, ensures we are giving the opportunity for the best outcomes.

“Our Outreach Engagement Team is supporting communities and individuals to set up and develop Survivor/Thriver Groups, with the aim of eventually having a network of sustainable survivor groups across Lincolnshire.

“We currently have eight groups – five female survivor groups, two male survivor groups and one Ukrainian survivor group operating in Lincolnshire.”

The charity has a number of fundraising events to mark its birthday across the county, with supporters also taking part in marathons, 10Ks and other active challenges, as well as organising afternoon teas, family teddy bear picnics and much more.

Charity CEO, Celia Madden said: “It is crucial that victims fleeing domestic abuse are able to access services that they know and trust and are local to them. EDAN Lincs delivering LDASS will carry on strengthening links with the NHS, Police and other partner agencies in helping women, men and children living in Lincolnshire who have experienced domestic abuse and supporting them to live lives free from the fear of domestic abuse.

“If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, we’re here to help. Please contact our Support Hub on tel: 01522 510041 (opt 2), we have a team of specialist workers who can help and support.

Alternatively, you can find lots of useful information and advice via our ‘Universal Offer of Support’ website: www.ldass.org.uk”

For more information about EDAN Lincs, visit the charity’s Facebook page @EDANlincs, visit the website www.edanlincs.org.uk or email fundraising@edanlincs.org.uk

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