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The West Midlands Specialist DA Consortium’s statement on the prisoner early release scheme.

The West Midlands Specialist Domestic Abuse Consortium – made up of The Haven Wolverhampton, Black Country Women’s Aid, Coventry Haven Women’s Aid, and Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid – is disappointed that the government’s prisoner early release arrangements include perpetrators convicted of domestic abuse -related offences. While we recognise the challenges facing the prison system, victim safety must remain the priority in  every decision that affects those impacted by domestic abuse.

The proportionally few domestic abuse perpetrators who actually receive custodial sentences have often committed serious offences. These perpetrators pose a serious risk to their victims usually for far longer than their original sentence.

For many victims and survivors, a perpetrator’s release can, therefore, be a time of increased risk, where there is no guarantee of contact restrictions being put in place to protect them from further harm. With this risk of further harm and situation uncertainty, victims and survivors are subject to increased distress, anxiety, and pressure whilst already facing significant barriers when rebuilding their lives, including securing safe housing, achieving financial stability, and supporting children affected by abuse. These barriers are on top of overcoming mental and/or physical trauma.

We are calling for specialist domestic abuse services to be fully involved in local coordination and release planning processes. As trusted and specialist experts supporting victims and survivors every day across the region, our involvement can help ensure effective safety planning, risk management, and communication with those affected. We are committed to working alongside probation, police, local authorities, and other partners to help ensure that releases are managed safely and effectively.

We are also mindful of the pressures that increased releases may place on probation and wider community services. Effective offender management, information sharing and multi-agency working will require sufficient capacity and resources to respond to both the needs of victims and the risks posed by perpetrators.

The West Midlands Specialist Domestic Abuse Consortium stands ready to collaborate with local partners,  ensuring that victims are informed, protected and supported. We stand united in our focus on victim safety and perpetrator accountability.

West Midlands Specialist Domestic Abuse Consortium

FGM Friendship Group - FIRST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH

FGM Hub – Harmony Family Hub

The FGM Hub takes place on the first Monday of every month, from 11:30am to 1:30pm at the Harmony Family Hub, Clifton Street, Hillfields, Coventry, CV1 5GR

The Hub provides a safe, welcoming and supportive space for women and girls affected by Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). It offers one-to-one support, information, advocacy and signposting, including emotional support, safeguarding advice and referrals to specialist services where appropriate.

The Hub is open to any woman or girl who has experienced FGM and is not limited to women already receiving support from Coventry Haven Women’s Aid. Women can attend to access information, discuss their experiences, seek advice or find out more about the support available.

The Hub also provides an opportunity to connect with others, raise awareness of FGM and promote access to appropriate health, wellbeing and specialist support.

When: First Monday of every month
Time: 11:30am–1:30pm
Location: Harmony Family Hub, Clifton Street, Hillfields, Coventry, CV1 5GR
Who can attend: Any woman or girl affected by FGM, including those who are not currently receiving support from Coventry Haven Women’s Aid.

For more details, please contact Opeyemi on 02476444077 or email obello@coventryhaven.co.uk


2 CURRENT JOB VACANCIES

2 current JOB VACANCies

Do you want to be part of a dynamic team who work to promote the safety and well-being of women, children and young people affected by domestic violence and abuse? 

As a result of ongoing success and development, we are looking to recruit the following posts: 

ROLE 1

SUPPORT SERVICES LEAD

£36,363 - £38,220(NJC scale pt 25-27)

37 hours per week  (may be some out of hours)

25 days leave (pro rata) + Bank Holidays

Benefits include an Employee Assistance Programme and Pension Contribution 

About Us:

Coventry Haven Women’s Aid (CHWA) is a feminist organisation dedicated to supporting survivors of Domestic Violence and Abuse. With over 54 years of experience, we are committed to promoting social justice, equity, and empowerment for victim-survivors. 

The Role:

To lead and coordinate Coventry Haven Women’s Aid’s specialist domestic violence and abuse support services, ensuring women and children receive safe, high-quality, trauma-informed support across refuge, advocacy, IRIS, community-based services, group work, pilot programmes, volunteers and student activity. As part of the Leadership Team, the Support Services Lead will line manage and support staff, oversee referral pathways and service delivery, contribute to policy and service development, manage monitoring requirements, build partnerships and help ensure CHWA services continue to respond effectively to the changing needs of women and children subjected to domestic abuse. 

Diversity and Inclusion:

Coventry Haven Women’s Aid encourages and welcomes applications from women of all backgrounds, particularly those from minority communities with language specialisms. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.

How to Apply:

To apply, please download the following pack, complete it and return via email to recruitment@coventryhaven.co.uk or by post to Private & Confidential, Recruitment, Coventry Haven Women’s Aid, 30 Hen Lane, Coventry CV6 4LB

Job Description Form

Job Advert

Application Form

Equality, Diversion & Inclusion Form

*Please note that CVs will not be accepted.* 

In order for us to monitor the effectiveness of our recruitment strategy, we would appreciate it if you could complete our Equalities and Diversity questionnaire included in the pack. This will not affect your application. 

Closing date: 12 noon on 3rd August 2026

Shortlisting and invitation to interview: 5th August 2026

Interviews will be held week beginning: 10th August 2026

Successful applicant to start: ASAP

On appointment eligible staff will be expected to complete an enhanced DBS disclosure and provide references.

This post is applicable to women only. The role is covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (schedule9: Equality Act 2010). Successful applicants will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check before commencing employment. 

_______________________________________________

ROLE 2

REFUGE LEAD

£33,699 (NJC scale pt 22)

37 hours per week  (may be some out of hours)

25 days leave (pro rata) + Bank Holidays

Benefits include an Employee Assistance Programme and Pension Contribution 

About Us:

Coventry Haven Women’s Aid (CHWA) is a feminist organisation dedicated to supporting survivors of Domestic Violence and Abuse. With over 54 years of experience, we are committed to promoting social justice, equity, and empowerment for victim-survivors. 

The Role:

To lead and oversee the safe, effective and trauma-informed delivery of refuge accommodation services across multiple sites, ensuring high standards of support, housing management, safeguarding, and compliance. To be responsible for Refuge staff team, Refuge DA Practitioners, Children and Family Workers, Casual Workers and Placements. The postholder will provide operational leadership, support staff development, ensure resident safety and wellbeing, and maintain high-quality service delivery aligned with organisational values and funder requirements.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Coventry Haven Women’s Aid encourages and welcomes applications from women of all backgrounds, particularly those from minority communities with language specialisms. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.

How to Apply:

To apply, please download the following pack, complete it and return via email to recruitment@coventryhaven.co.uk or by post to Private & Confidential, Recruitment, Coventry Haven Women’s Aid, 30 Hen Lane, Coventry CV6 4LB

Job Description Form

Job Advert

Application Form

Equality, Diversion & Inclusion Form

*Please note that CVs will not be accepted.* 

In order for us to monitor the effectiveness of our recruitment strategy, we would appreciate it if you could complete our Equalities and Diversity questionnaire included in the pack. This will not affect your application. 

Closing date: 12 noon on 3rd August 2026

Shortlisting and invitation to interview: 5th August 2026

Interviews will be held week beginning: 10th August 2026

Successful applicant to start: ASAP

On appointment eligible staff will be expected to complete an enhanced DBS disclosure and provide references.

This post is applicable to women only. The role is covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (schedule9: Equality Act 2010). Successful applicants will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check before commencing employment. 

New Job Vacancy : Support Services Lead

JOB VACANCY

Do you want to be part of a dynamic team who work to promote the safety and well-being of women, children and young people affected by domestic violence and abuse? 

As a result of ongoing success and development, we are looking to recruit the following post: 

Support Services Lead

£36,363 - £38,220(NJC scale pt 25-27)

37 hours per week  (may be some out of hours)

25 days leave (pro rata) + Bank Holidays

Benefits include an Employee Assistance Programme and Pension Contribution 

About Us:

Coventry Haven Women’s Aid (CHWA) is a feminist organisation dedicated to supporting survivors of Domestic Violence and Abuse. With over 54 years of experience, we are committed to promoting social justice, equity, and empowerment for victim-survivors. 

The Role:

To lead and coordinate Coventry Haven Women’s Aid’s specialist domestic violence and abuse support services, ensuring women and children receive safe, high-quality, trauma-informed support across refuge, advocacy, IRIS, community-based services, group work, pilot programmes, volunteers and student activity. As part of the Leadership Team, the Support Services Lead will line manage and support staff, oversee referral pathways and service delivery, contribute to policy and service development, manage monitoring requirements, build partnerships and help ensure CHWA services continue to respond effectively to the changing needs of women and children subjected to domestic abuse. 

Diversity and Inclusion:

Coventry Haven Women’s Aid encourages and welcomes applications from women of all backgrounds, particularly those from minority communities with language specialisms. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.

How to Apply:

To apply, please download the following pack, complete it and return via email to recruitment@coventryhaven.co.uk or by post to Private & Confidential, Recruitment, Coventry Haven Women’s Aid, 30 Hen Lane, Coventry CV6 4LB

Job Description Form

Job Advert

Application Form

Equality, Diversion & Inclusion Form

*Please note that CVs will not be accepted.* 

In order for us to monitor the effectiveness of our recruitment strategy, we would appreciate it if you could complete our Equalities and Diversity questionnaire included in the pack. This will not affect your application. 

Closing date: 12 noon on 3rd August 2026

Shortlisting and invitation to interview: 5th August 2026

Interviews will be held week beginning: 10th August 2026

Successful applicant to start: ASAP

On appointment eligible staff will be expected to complete an enhanced DBS disclosure and provide references.

This post is applicable to women only. The role is covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (schedule9: Equality Act 2010). Successful applicants will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check before commencing employment. 

Moonlight Walk 17th April - For The Myton Hospices In Memory of Lucky Basra

This Friday we’ll be walking 10k in the Moonlight Walk in memory of our amazing friend Lucky Basra�

We are proud to be raising money for The Myton Hospices, and would be so grateful for any sponsorship to support both this incredible charity and our team as we take on the walk.

Anything you can spare, big or small, would mean a great deal and give us a real boost on the night. Please share this post too.

Thank you so much for your support �

� Donate here: https://fundraise.mytonhospice.org/fundraisers/coventryhavenwomensaid

www.coventryhaven.co.uk

With You - Peer Support Article

Peer Support in the Shadows: Rebuilding Lives After Abuse

by Jaime Richards Development & Funding Officer, Coventry Haven Women’s Aid 

Most of us immediately think of group meetings, one-to-one mentoring, and recovery programs when considering peer support. However, for domestic abuse services, peer support is far more unassuming, often occurring in the most informal settings: in a refuge kitchen over a cup of tea, while waiting for a court hearing, or on the walk to collect a child from school after relocating and starting over again.

At Coventry Haven Women’s Aid, peer support isn’t a separate program; it’s the heartbeat of everything we do. Our team is made up largely of women who have walked the same path as those they now support. Many of us are survivors ourselves. That lived experience brings a level of empathy, trust, and understanding that no training course can teach.

Peer support in this environment may come in the shape of teaching a woman how to use public transport again after years of isolation, setting up her own bank account, or simply sitting together through a court statement, and laughing - really laughing, for the first time in months. It’s in the shared silences, the strength of being believed, and a reminder that healing doesn’t need to be done on your own.

Many of the women we support go on to become peer mentors, volunteers, and advocates, using their voices to shape training, influence systems, and create change for others. It’s a ripple effect of empowerment, one woman’s survival becoming another’s hope.

In a world that constantly undermines women’s resiliency, peer support reminds us that connection heals. Even in the darkest spaces, refuge kitchens, courtrooms, or helpline calls, there’s light. And that light is another woman saying, “You’re not alone. I see you. You can do this.”

 

2 New Community Roles!

 As a result of ongoing success and development, we are looking to recruit the following two posts:

 2 x Community Domestic Abuse (DA) Practitioners

 £28,624 FTE per annum

30 hours per week  

25 days leave + Bank Holidays

Benefits include an Employee Assistance Programme and Pension Contribution

How to Apply:

To apply, please download an application pack from our website: http://www.coventryhaven.co.uk/vacancies

or request a pack via email: recruitment@coventryhaven.co.uk 

*Please note that CVs will not be accepted.* 

In order for us to monitor the effectiveness of our recruitment strategy, we would appreciate it if you could complete our Equalities and Diversity questionnaire. This will not affect your application. 

Closing date: 12 noon on 20th March 2026

Shortlisting and invitation to interview: 23rd March 2026

Interviews will be held week beginning: 30th March 2026

Successful applicant to start: ASAP

On appointment eligible staff will be expected to complete an enhanced DBS disclosure and provide references.  

This post is applicable to women only. The role is covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (schedule9: Equality Act 2010). Successful applicants will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check before commencing employment.

 

New Job!!

We are looking to recruit the following post:

Children & Family Support Worker - Refuge Based

who will have responsibility for the development and delivery of a front-line service offering support, advice, guidance to women and their children living in the refuges. 

15 hours per week - £ 27,334 per annum FTE - some out of hours/on call is required

25 days leave + Bank Holidays - (pro-rata) Benefits include ongoing training and development, an Employee Assistance Programme and Pension Contribution

For more information about the role please see the Job Description Form in this pack. To apply for the position please complete the application pack. Please note, CVs will not be accepted.

Due to the nature of the role, a full driving licence and access to a vehicle are preferred.

In order for us to monitor the effectiveness of our recruitment strategy we would also appreciate if you would complete our Equality and Diversity questionnaire. This will not affect your application.

To obtain an application pack, please download the pack below or email: recruitment@coventryhaven.co.uk 

Job Advert

Job Description

Application Form

Equality & Diversity Questionnaire (EDI)

Please complete the application form and EDI form, and return via email to: recruitment@coventryhaven.co.uk 

Closing date: 12 noon on 20th February 2026

Shortlisting and invitation to interview by: end of 23rd February 2026 

Interviews will be held from 2nd March 2026 

Successful applicant to start: ASAP   

On appointment eligible staff will be expected to complete an enhanced DBS disclosure and provide references. We positively encourage applications from the Black and Minority Ethnic communities. We would also welcome those with additional language skills. We essentially request applications from women who hold a Children and/ or Young Peoples qualification. e.g NVQ, NNEB, Social Care Degree.

This post is applicable to women only. The role is covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (schedule9: Equality Act 2010). Successful applicants will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check before commencing employment.

UK Government publishes new 10-year strategy on violence against women and girls

The UK Government has published a new national strategy, Freedom from Violence and Abuse: a cross-government strategy to build a safer society for women and girls (December 2025). The strategy sets out a 10-year ambition to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) and represents a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to tackling abuse

A national mission

The strategy frames violence against women and girls as a national moral mission, recognising the devastating and lifelong impact of domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking, harassment and other forms of gender-based violence. It highlights that abuse affects women and girls across every community and setting, including homes, workplaces, schools, public spaces and online.

Domestic abuse is identified as a central component of violence against women and girls, alongside stalking, sexual violence, ‘honour’-based abuse, online and technology-facilitated abuse, and fatal violence.

Three core pillars

The strategy is built around three overarching priorities:

1. Prevention and early intervention
A strong focus is placed on preventing abuse before it starts by tackling root causes such as misogyny, harmful gender norms and online influences. This includes education on healthy relationships, safeguarding children and young people, addressing online harms, and promoting cultural and behavioural change across society.

2. Relentless pursuit of perpetrators
The Government commits to improving how perpetrators are identified, managed and held to account. This includes strengthening policing responses, improving criminal justice outcomes, embedding domestic abuse expertise within emergency and justice services, and learning from past failures, including Domestic Homicide Reviews.

3. Support for victims and survivors
The strategy emphasises the importance of accessible, trauma-informed, specialist support for victims and survivors. It recognises that recovery is not linear and that individuals need different types of support at different times, including help with safety, housing, health, justice and long-term recovery.

Children and young people

Children who experience domestic abuse are recognised as victims in their own right, not just witnesses. The strategy highlights the long-term harm domestic abuse can cause to children and the importance of early, specialist intervention to break intergenerational cycles of abuse.

Recognising inequality and barriers

The strategy explicitly acknowledges that experiences of abuse, and access to safety and justice, are shaped by factors such as race, disability, age, immigration status and poverty. It recognises that some women face additional barriers to support and that responses must be inclusive, trauma-informed and culturally competent.

Learning from deaths and system failures

A significant emphasis is placed on learning from domestic homicides and serious harm. The strategy highlights repeated themes of missed opportunities, lack of coordination and failures to act on known risk and commits to strengthening accountability and system learning to prevent further loss of life.

A whole-of-society approach

While recognising the essential role of specialist services, the strategy stresses that ending violence against women and girls cannot be achieved by one sector alone. Government, public services, employers, communities, online platforms and individuals all have a role to play in creating lasting change.

Why this matters locally in Coventry

Violence against women and girls is not an abstract national issue, it is something we see and respond to every day in Coventry. In the last year alone, Coventry Haven Women’s Aid supported over 4,700 women, children and young people, reflecting the ongoing scale and complexity of domestic abuse locally.

Women and families in Coventry often face intersecting challenges alongside abuse, including housing insecurity, financial hardship, mental health needs, and barriers linked to immigration status or disability. Demand for specialist domestic abuse support remains high, and the impact on safety, wellbeing and long-term recovery can be profound.

This national strategy matters locally because it recognises the importance of early intervention, specialist support, partnership working and learning from harm, all of which are central to Coventry’s response to domestic abuse. It reinforces the need for coordinated action across housing, health, policing, education and community services, and highlights the vital role of specialist organisations in supporting women and children to rebuild their lives safely.

As the strategy is implemented over the next decade, it provides an important framework for translating national ambition into local action, with the shared goal of ensuring women and children in Coventry can live free from violence and abuse.

If you would like to learn more about our work, support our services, or make a donation, please visit:
https://www.coventryhaven.co.uk/how-can-i-donate

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