We are proud to have been awarded a 7-year contract to support victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence in the Barnsley area, alongside local specialist sexual violence charity BSARCS.
Our work in Barnsley has supported thousands of victims across the area over the last five years and our dedicated local teams look forward to working together with other agencies to keep people safe over the coming years.
Sarah Hill, CEO of IDAS said, “We are proud to have been chosen to continue to deliver our life-saving services to support the people of Barnsley. Our dedicated team have established excellent working partnerships and we are all looking forward to developing and growing our services over the next many years.”
In addition to the community outreach services, 1:1 support, group work, women’s refuge, and safe accommodation, the charity will develop domestic abuse mental health support to help survivors overcome the trauma caused by abuse and violence. The contract will also help provide additional support for victims of sexual violence delivered by specialist, local charity BSARCS.
Lynne Casserly, BSARCS’ CEO told us "We are grateful that the local authority recognises the impact of sexual violence on the victims, families and communities of Barnsley and that we are able to continue to deliver specialist support to victims of sexual harm in partnership with IDAS. In the year 2020/21, BSARCS supported over 1600 individuals living in Barnsley who had been affected by sexual violence; this funding enables us to continue to deliver essential and life-changing support to women, men and children who have experienced sexual harm at any time in their lives".
Cllr Caroline Makinson, Cabinet Spokesperson for Communities and Public Health, said: "We're really pleased that we're continuing to work with IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Services) and BSARCS, and that they'll continue to provide high-quality support to those who are affected by abusive or violent relationships and sexual violence. Over the past few years IDAS and BSARCS have delivered excellent services in Barnsley, and it's great that this support will now continue. I urge anyone who is in an abusive relationship, or knows someone who is, to please get in touch with IDAS - please remember that you are not alone, and that there is help available."
