Southside provides targeted and specialist support for people affected by domestic violence and abuse across Bath and North East Somerset. Southside’s team of Intake Workers and IDVAs (Independent Domestic Violence Advisors) supports people aged over 16 years who are experiencing domestic violence and abuse.
Southside’s services are inclusive: while women are most likely to experience domestic abuse, men, people in same-sex relationships, trans and non-binary people also experience abuse. Some people face additional barriers to accessing support and not recognising abusive behaviours. Our experienced team helps people to overcome these barriers, including an Older Persons’ IDVA to provide specialist support for people experiencing domestic abuse in later life. There are many factors that may make older people less likely to disclose domestic abuse, so this can often be unrecognised.
Southside’s work is trauma-informed, therapeutically focused and supports victims of domestic violence and abuse, and their families, to find solutions that last. Specialist domestic abuse support enables victims to improve their safety, quality of life and self-confidence. Southside’s in-depth support starts with a detailed assessment of each victim’s needs and risk level. Our workers develop a safety and support plan with the individual, empower and support them throughout the tailored work.