“In my role as a frontline worker, I am often asked for advice such as keeping safe, local support offers, and specialist services. I have the support of other Champions and when I have a question that I am not sure about I am able to call on the network to find the answer. This ensures that women are giving the right information and support, they are not left feeling alone. Being a Champion enables you to share your knowledge with other professionals and challenge victim-blaming. This valued knowledge has enabled me to be more equipped when working with those affected by Domestic Abuse.”

“Working with Jenny took time, her abuser was using coercive and controlling techniques that escalated to violence. Jenny was not ready to accept that his behaviour was manipulative and believed he needed help for his mental health. When Jenny felt it was the right time, she confided in me and we started to make plans to keep her and her child safe. We managed to clear some of the debts he had occurred in her name, we got her the access needed to claim her own money and then we found her a property that was safe. Jenny did not have to leave the small family that she had, she moved only a few miles away and was finally able to get in touch with her friends that he had isolated her away from. Jenny became more empowered and looked forward to her future. This was the start to her recovery.”

“Reducing the Risk have been pivotal in where our Champion’s Network is today. In just 5 years we have established a successful multiagency network of professionals who are equipped to identify domestic abuse and signpost appropriately in Buckinghamshire. The train the trainer package provided by Reducing the Risk set us up well to cascade the training ourselves to new Champions. We have a thriving network of over 460 Champions and we owe a big chunk of our success to the passion, commitment and energy that the team provide.”