SAND - Surviving Abuse Northern Devon cic

02/12/2025

An incredible community opportunity.

🌟Volunteering opportunity🌟
Volunteers needed to help to create a Women's Centre in Barnstaple

" North Devon Against Domestic Abuse - NDADA and Encompass Southwest are working together to bring back into use 'The Watering Hole' an old disused pub in the centre of Barnstaple to create a Women's Community Centre called 'Temperance House.'

We are creating a safe space for the women of North Devon who are affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, mental health, addiction and loneliness where women can connect together and support each other in their recovery to take back control in their lives."

See Devon Connect listing for full details:
https://devonconnect.org/activity/we-need-volunteers-to-help-to-create-a-womens-centre-in-barnstaple

02/12/2025

Animals need your help this Christmas

Every week, we rescue and foster three animals from abusers and sadly, Christmas is no exception.

At a time that should be filled with love and joy, many families subjected to domestic abuse face a heartbreaking choice: Escape to safety or stay in an abusive relationship because most emergency accommodation won't accept animals? This is where you can help this Christmas.

It costs us £651 to rescue a dog or cat, including covering emergency veterinary treatment and six months of care with one of our wonderful foster families, which is the time it usually takes before animals can be safely reunited with their own family.

To help all three animals who will need us during Christmas week alone, we need to raise £1,953. Any gift you make will help these much-loved and loyal companions escape abuse, find safety with a caring foster family, and be reunited with the person who loves them most.

Please, give hope this Christmas. Help us to be there when animals need us most. You can donate to our Christmas appeal on our website:
Refuge4pets.org.uk
Prefer to donate a different way? Please call us on 0300 4000 121 and we can take payments over the phone or provide our charity bank account details.

P.S. Any amount that you can donate to our Christmas Animal Rescue Appeal will make a big difference.

Refuge4Pets provides a pet fostering service across Devon and Cornwall to victims of domestic abuse so that they can leave with their pets.

02/12/2025

Looking after yourself is so important check out these events happening today

📣We’re on day eight of our 16 Days of Action, with today’s theme being Self-care/Grounding/Emotional Regulation. 📣

Self-care, grounding, and emotional regulation techniques are crucial when it comes to coping with trauma, managing intense emotions like panic and anxiety, and rebuilding a sense of safety and control.

Self-care involves deliberate actions to maintain physical and emotional health and is an essential part in rebuilding the loss of self-esteem/worth and confidence that can come as a consequence of experiencing any form of abuse or violence.

Follow this link for resources on self-care, grounding & emotional regulation: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12wROooV7SfMfTBKzV19OCXdem6oj8qxE?usp=sharing

We have four fantastic theme events happening across Devon TODAY:

A Wellbeing Day – wellbeing, connection and mental health space for women at Together Drug and Alcohol Services. There will also be a 2nd female only SMART meeting. *SMART meetings are for women in recovery from drugs/alcohol only. However, the rest of the Wellbeing Day is open to ALL women. In person, 10:30 – 12. Magdalene House, Exeter, EX1 2NJ. *No need to book.

Tree planting community group with the National Trust, a gentle outdoor session that focuses on self-care, grounding, and emotional regulation; reminding us how connecting with nature can nurture both our wellbeing and the world around us. 11-2 at Torrs Car Park, Ilfracombe. Book Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/16-days-of-action-tree-planting-tickets-1967583086979?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawOMbG9leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE3TnR5U3ZVSUpJN3lYeGtNc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgOyKptEvZi4UQUpksqsj_sn7YJ_R8BkH3KKvJFbr-7lS9h07KeuJJzz4yEJ_aem_vLAYZp6gRL6OTDxQMALPUQ

A Trauma Stabilisation Lunch & Learn from 12:30-1:15 hosted by Rowan Burrows and Nicola Gregg from the Pathfinder Sexual Violence programme. This is a brilliant session for service leaders and practitioners to find out more on the fantastic training available to front line practitioners who support people who may have experienced trauma – supporting not only their practice but also their own resilience and wellbeing. Book Here: dbfdeed5-3ca7-4dbb-b377-4e23b713b4bc@8da13783-cb68-443f-bb4b-997f77fd5bfb" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/dbfdeed5-3ca7-4dbb-b377-4e23b713b4bc@8da13783-cb68-443f-bb4b-997f77fd5bfb

Information Stall - J9 Domestic Abuse Initiative UK and Family Hub collaboration, raising awareness of Domestic Abuse. 10am to 3pm. Exeter Library Exeter Rougemont Place, Exeter EX4 3PQ. Come and find out about the J9 Domestic Abuse Initiative training – creating Safe-Spaces in the community. Come and see how Family Hubs are working together with services and professional to support children, young people and families in their communities.

01/12/2025

📣Day seven of the 16 Days of Action highlights Economic Abuse. 📣

Economic abuse involves controlling a person’s finances and resources, such as income, spending, bank accounts, bills, borrowing, transport, technology, property, and essentials like food and clothing. It can include destroying possessions or refusing to contribute to household costs. This abuse often continues after separation and can have lasting effects, making it difficult for victims to rebuild their lives.

More information, guidance and support around economic abuse can be found here: Surviving Economic Abuse: Transforming responses to economic abuse: https://survivingeconomicabuse.org/

If you have experienced domestic abuse and are thinking about getting back to work but don't know where to start, the RISE programme from FearFree can support you. This support is also available to people who have caused harm in their relationships: https://www.fearfree.org.uk/rise/

Our theme event for today is an Understanding Financial & Economic Abuse Webinar with Jeanie Lynch. EVENT POSTPONED so please book here to be updated when it's rearranged: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/postponed-understanding-financial-economic-abuse-online-event-tickets-1834902395459?aff=oddtdtcreator

30/11/2025

📣For day six we are thinking about Domestic Abuse Later in Life. 📣

Domestic abuse can happen at any age. Older people are just as likely to experience harm from domestic abuse as younger people but are much less likely to seek support.

Older people can face additional barriers to accessing support, including not knowing what support is available and professionals focusing on factors like 'carer stress' or dementia, which can lead to a misclassification of the abuse and a lack of involvement from specialist domestic abuse services.

In Devon, reports of abuse and referrals for support from people aged 60 years and over are increasing. Devon Domestic Abuse Alliance https://ddaa.org.uk is available to all, with tailored resources to help improve safety and support options for anyone over 60.

A peninsula project (Devon, Torbay, Plymouth and Cornwall) focused on better understanding the needs and experiences of older victim-survivors of domestic abuse took place in 2024-2025. Some of the resources developed through the project are available here: https://safercornwall.co.uk/domestic_abuse_resources/

Here is a pre-recording of the Older People’s Project outcomes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPYYqQt30l4&feature=youtu.be

Further developments based on the project recommendations will be rolled out over the coming year, including training and an Older People’s Charter. If your service or organisation is interested in finding out more on how you can recognise the importance and value of older people who are at risk of, are experiencing or have experienced Domestic Abuse, Sexual Abuse or Violence, get in touch with amy.callebaut@devon.gov.uk

North Devon Against Domestic Abuse - NDADA is hosting the following Webinar on the 15th of January 2026 from 10-12: Domestic Abuse in Later Life. Book Here: 1a530e1e-6b5c-4bfc-8308-63c0030f165f@58f8201f-1667-4187-ac7c-4ceb0eedbd09" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/1a530e1e-6b5c-4bfc-8308-63c0030f165f@58f8201f-1667-4187-ac7c-4ceb0eedbd09

29/11/2025

📣Our theme for day five is LGBTQIA+ and How People from this Intersection are at Greater Risk of Abuse. 📣

Did you know?

28% of LGBT+ victims of DA have attempted su***de compared to 15% of victims who don’t identify as LGBT+

LGBT+ victims of DA are more than twice as likely to have self-harmed (32% vs 14%)

15% of LGBT+ victims have been abused by multiple perpetrators
LGBT+ victims are twice as likely to have experienced abuse from a family member in the past
(SafeLives)

We’d like to highlight the work of Intercom Trust who provide support to the LGBTQIA+ community - https://www.intercomtrust.org.uk/domestic-abuse-support/

Intercom Trust will be hosting a Webinar on the 19th of January 2026 from 10-11:30 - LGBT+ victims of domestic abuse; how they are at greater risk and the additional barriers to reporting. Add this link to your calendar and join here: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YTlmZWI2ZTctODgzMS00YzFmLTllNzYtNTY1ZjJhZjM2NmQ1%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22c2b01bdb-452a-4b6a-92da-4b0ae0a3ae5a%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22a78a0eb4-eb0c-4dea-81c6-18f78bd159f1%22%7d

An additional event taking place today is a special Lady Gardener’s Club with the The Gardeners Co. at Arlington, North Devon from 10-11:30am. Book Here: https://bookwhen.com/thegardenersco/e/ev-sxu1s-20251129100000

28/11/2025

Today we had the inspiring Maxine Cook pop into the office to present Josie with a wonderful gift. Maxine is a creative writer and presented SAND with some beautifully written poems.
We will be sharing some of the poems over the coming weeks.

28/11/2025

📣Day four of the 16 Days of Action is dedicated to the theme of Sexual Exploitation. 📣

Sexual exploitation is a form of sexual abuse where people are groomed, forced and coerced into taking part in sexual activities. They may receive something in return, such as gifts, money or affection. They may be threatened into taking part by fear of violence or abuse.

For more information, including support available, visit: Sexual Exploitation - Safer Devon: https://saferdevon.co.uk/sexual-exploitation/

A strengths-based toolkit has been developed by CoLab Women to improve responses to supporting women at risk of sexual exploitation: ‘Out of the Shadows’ Launch — CoLab Exeter: https://www.colabexeter.org.uk/news/out-of-the-shadows-launch-32f35

Our theme event is Out of the Shadows – Improving Responses to Women at Risk of Sexual Exploitation through Prostitution, a Webinar hosted by Jeanie Lynch at Colab. The date and time for this is TBC so keep an eye on the website for updated details: https://saferdevon.co.uk/domestic-sexual-violence-abuse/16-days-of-action-in-devon/

We have two additional events taking place, today, in North Devon:

The annual Petal Scattering, led by North Devon Against Domestic Abuse - NDADA and Barnstaple Soroptimists, with attendance from the Police and public. Gathering at The Square, Barnstaple at 11am.

A Saunton Women’s Swim & Fire Event, meeting at the bottom of the slipway, Saunton Beach, North Devon at 4pm.

27/11/2025

Speaking about sexual violence isn't easy, survivors go through a rollercoaster of emotions while trying to come to terms with what happened to them.
SAND is here to support you- don't feel like you are going through this alone.
We would like to share some writing by one of our survivors.

"You were r***d, you must report this to the Police”

Thats a sentence that will live with me for the rest of my life, after reaching out to my doctor looking for help and support regarding an incident that had happened to me a few days before. I had been reliving the night over and over in my head for several days trying to piece the night together. It was not until she used the word “r**e” that it hit me what had happened to me the tears started rolling down my face as I tried to make sense of why someone would do this to me even though I repeatedly said no.
I am not ashamed or embarrassed by what has happened to me – I did nothing wrong I was not an irresponsible mother I was just simply going on a date that did not go the way that I thought it would – NO is a simple word that everyone should understand and other women should not be put in the position that I was.

27/11/2025

📣It’s day three of 16 Days of Action & today is all about Disability and Domestic Abuse/Sexual Violence. 📣

Women with a learning disability or autism, or both, are almost 3 times more likely to experience domestic abuse than non-disabled women.

Women with a disability are twice as likely to have experienced sexual assault in the last year compared to non-disabled women.
Support is available to anyone affected by domestic abuse from Devon Domestic Abuse Alliance: https://ddaa.org.uk/

Support is available to anyone who has experienced r**e or sexual assault from Devon RCSAS – We offer confidential, professional support to survivors or r**e, sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse in Devon: https://devonr**ecrisis.org.uk/

Adult Social Care can provide support to anyone with a disability who is experiencing abuse, including domestic abuse or sexual violence/abuse. An easy read booklet with information about all types of abuse is available here: Safeguarding – keeping people safe from risk of harm or abuse – Learning Disability Devon: https://www.learningdisabilitydevon.org.uk/safeguarding-keeping-people-safe-from-risk-of-harm-or-abuse/

This webinar was recorded last year: https://youtu.be/efR84k0LDP4 and gives an overview and findings from a joint project across Devon, Cornwall, Torbay and Plymouth that aimed to better understand and improve responses for people with learning disabilities who may be experiencing domestic abuse. Resources created through the project are available here: https://safercornwall.co.uk/domestic_abuse_resources/ . An eLearning is also currently being developed for professionals working with people with learning disabilities to better understand domestic abuse, the increased risks, and support available.

Additional events happening in Devon today:

Reclaim the Night Exeter – banner making workshop in St Sidwell’s Community Centre at 4pm followed by a march through the City Centre at 6pm. All welcome.

Animal Abuse as a Strategy of Coercive Control: Safeguarding People and Animals – a Webinar hosted by Refuge4Pets open to people working in human health and welfare sectors including domestic abuse advocates, police, social workers, housing, health, probation, substance misuse professionals. 10-12:30pm Book Here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/animal-abuse-as-a-strategy-of-coercive-control-tickets-1717276142169?aff=oddtdtcreator

26/11/2025

Stand4Change – 16 Days of Action

Together, we can break the cycle of abuse.

This November, join Stand4Change, our annual campaign as part of the global 16 Days of Action movement.

Over the past two years, Action4Change has grown into a powerful force for change:
2023 – Time4Change raised awareness
2024 – Pledge4Change inspired commitment

Now, in 2025, it’s time to take the next step.

Stand4Change is about turning words into action.

We’re asking individuals, workplaces, schools, and communities to stand together against domestic abuse and sexual violence. Every action counts. Together, we can create safer spaces and stronger support for survivors.

👉 Learn more and get involved: https://www.firstlight.org.uk/go/stand4change

25/11/2025

📣It’s day one of the 16 Days of Action! 📣

Today’s theme is Healthy Relationships!

We're starting our campaign with the theme of ‘Healthy Relationships’ but what does that actually mean? Here’s an article highlighting some signs of a healthy relationships and signs that a relationship might be abusive: https://domestic-abuse.co.uk/healthy-relationships-vs-domestic-abuse/

We would like to take an opportunity to showcase the following organisations and services:

Anyone in Devon: Devon Domestic Abuse Alliance Home - https://ddaa.org.uk/

Young people: Young Devon Domestic Abuse | Get Support Now - https://www.youngdevon.org/wellbeing/domestic-abuse

For schools and education services: Devon Schools Wellbeing Partnership Healthy relationships & RSE - Devon Schools Wellbeing - https://www.devonschoolswellbeing.org.uk/pshe/healthy-relationships-rse/

For support to change unhealthy behaviours: CRAFT Behaviour Change Programme CRAFT Training and Development this can also be accessed via DDAA https://ddaa.org.uk/

Theme events:
Together Drug and Alcohol Services are hosting a female only taster SMART meeting – Creating a healthy relationship with ourselves TODAY in person, 10:30 – 12: Magdalene House, Exeter, EX1 2NJ. *No need to book. *SMART meetings are for women in recovery from drugs/alcohol only.

There is a pop-up event at Petroc today between 11-1 sharing information about the 16 Days of Action and events taking place.

The Devon Domestic Abuse Alliance and Young Devon will be hosting a panel discussion on Healthy Relationships in the new year (date & time TBC) so keep an eye out for that too!

Full details of events and activities throughout this year’s 16 Days of Action can be found here - https://saferdevon.co.uk/domestic-sexual-violence-abuse/16-days-of-action-in-devon/