Colleagues working for the Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) have secured a contract renewal with their commissioners.
GDASS is a service run by GSA and is commissioned by Gloucestershire County Council, with support from the county’s Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and NHS Gloucestershire for some specialist roles.
The new contract officially commenced on the 1 July and will see GDASS continue to provide a county-wide service for anyone, aged 16 or over, who has experienced or is experiencing domestic abuse.
GDASS was first awarded a contract to deliver domestic abuse support services in Gloucestershire in 2012 with successful re-award following in 2017; this five-year contract being extended in 2023 for another two years.
Notable achievements in recent years include:
- Launching the ‘Flushing Away the Myths’ campaign which challenged misconceptions about domestic abuse by reaching more than 1000 workplaces and public spaces.
- Supporting GreenSquareAccord’s successful expansion of the provision of accommodation available in the county for those who are most at risk of harm from domestic abuse.
- Achieving and maintaining SafeLives Leading Light status accreditation for three-year periods consecutively.
Tessa Davis, GDASS Service Manager said: “We are proud to launch the delivery of the new GDASS contract, marking the start of an exciting phase in how we support victims and survivors of domestic abuse across Gloucestershire. We’re excited to grow our offer, strengthen partnerships, and reach more people than ever before.
“This new chapter will see us continuing to support victims at all levels of risk, with a strong focus on prevention and joined-up working. We’ll be helping individuals access and remain safe in accommodation through tailored support and strengthened partnerships. Our work will extend further into health care settings, offering direct support and building confidence across the health system.
“We’ll also be supporting those navigating the criminal and family courts, working closely with justice partners to improve outcomes. Alongside this, we’ll continue to raise awareness and upskill professionals through our training offer, and enhance the community understanding and response to domestic abuse
“Here’s to the future and thank you to all the amazing colleagues who go the extra mile every day.”
Find out more about GDASS here: About - Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS)
Photo: (L-R) Beth Bennett-Britton, Public Health Consultant, (Gloucestershire County Council), Heather Downer, Head of Domestic Abuse Services (GSA) Sharne Maher, Housing Partnership Manager, (Gloucestershire Strategic Housing Partnership) and Tessa Davis Davies, Service Manager, (GDASS)