Our Domestic Abuse Walsall Service (DAWS) is marking more than three years of providing safety to people experiencing, or at risk of, harm from perpetrators of domestic abuse.
Relaunched in 2023, DAWS provides refuge accommodation and 19 family homes across the borough, offering safety to Walsall residents who have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse.
DAWS has been working towards Leading Lights accreditation from the UK charity SafeLives.
SafeLives’ Leading Lights accreditation recognises quality in domestic abuse services, providing a benchmark for best practice. It is increasingly recognised by commissioners and funders across the UK.
Frances Keel, Senior Practice Consultant at SafeLives, said: “DAWS approached SafeLives to gain Leading Lights accreditation for its service providing support to victims and survivors of domestic abuse. We at Leading Lights have been working with the team over the last eight months as they have worked towards accreditation. DAWS has been committed throughout.
“The team has been open and receptive and has engaged well with the Leading Lights accreditation process, which is a robust and exacting assessment.”
If successful, DAWS will be the first service in Walsall to achieve this accreditation, with a decision expected next month.
Last year alone, 49 families in Walsall were supported to flee domestic abuse through the DAWS service.
While places in the refuge operated by DAWS are restricted to women and children under the age of 10, the service also provides dispersed safe accommodation for a wider range of people, including adult men and those who face barriers to accessing refuges. These properties help families live independently while accessing valuable support.
Reflecting on the support they received from DAWS, one former client said: “Immediately after arriving, I felt safe and secure. I knew I was protected, and the windows had locks and I had numbers to ring if needed.”
Another client said: “My support worker agreed to deal with mental health concerns and self-harm before dealing with housing. That really worked for me; I didn’t feel pressured to start thinking about resettlement straight away.”
Councillor Stuart Chapman MBE, Portfolio Holder for Housing Support, Resident Access and Communities, said: “The safety and wellbeing of people experiencing domestic abuse is our absolute priority, and it is encouraging to see the positive feedback DAWS has received through the independent SafeLives assessment process.
“The service provides a vital lifeline to vulnerable individuals and families across Walsall, helping them find safety, rebuild their confidence and move towards independent living.
“We work closely with the service to ensure that high standards are maintained, with regular monitoring visits, performance reviews and direct engagement with residents.
“I want to thank the dedicated staff who make such a difference to people’s lives every day. We remain committed to ensuring that anyone experiencing domestic abuse can access safe accommodation and the specialist support they need.”
Those living in DAWS accommodation are also offered a tailored package of wider support, including safety planning, housing support, advocacy and talking therapies.
Last year, the service provided an average of 45 support sessions per month, including group workshops and one-to-one sessions, to aid recovery and build resilience among those affected by domestic abuse.
DAWS also employs a children’s worker who offers specialist support to children and parents who have lived in households where domestic abuse has occurred. During 2025/26, 13 children living in Walsall accessed the scheme.
Heather Downer, Our Domestic Abuse Services Manager said: “For 30 years, Walsall residents have benefited from a dedicated service in their borough. Following consultation with clients and practitioners, we relaunched the service in 2023. Using co-design and co-production methods to recreate the service was important to us. This is a service designed for our clients, by our clients.
“DAWS offers a trauma-informed support and accommodation service that has been co-designed with victims. We are proud to be able to offer a traditional refuge and places of safety that cater to a wider range of households, including Walsall men who have experienced domestic abuse.
“The refreshed DAWS model has been recognised for excellence and replicated by other domestic abuse support services in England.”
A key feature of the support DAWS offers is helping clients transition to independent living. Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, 41 DAWS clients left the service, with 54% starting a social housing tenancy and a further 10% moving into private rented accommodation.
Funded by Walsall Council, the DAWS service is managed by GSA.