Chat with us, powered by LiveChat

IRIS Programme - Gold Accreditation Achieved!

We’ve achieved GOLD!

We’re delighted that the Coventry IRIS programme, delivered by Coventry Haven Women’s Aid as Coventry’s specialist domestic abuse service and sole local provider of IRIS, has achieved Gold standard IRISi accreditation for 2026/27

IRIS – Identification and Referral to Improve Safety – brings specialist domestic abuse expertise directly into primary care, helping GP teams to recognise domestic abuse, respond safely and confidently, and connect patients with specialist support.

Our Advocate Educators work alongside GP practices across Coventry, providing training and ongoing support to health professionals, as well as specialist advocacy and safety support for patients subjected to domestic abuse.

Achieving Gold is a lovely recognition of the commitment, knowledge and hard work of our IRIS team and of our continued commitment to delivering high-quality specialist domestic abuse services across Coventry

A huge well done to everyone involved!

https://www.coventryhaven.co.uk/iris-project

#IRIS #GoldAccreditation #DomesticAbuseSupport #PrimaryCare #Coventry #CoventryHaven #WomensAid #PartnershipWorking #Proud

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.