There were limited options for victims who often found themselves trapped in abusive and violent relationships. We were one of the first refuge providers in the UK and we opened our local women’s refuge with the help of a York businessman who donated a two-bedroom flat to us.
For many years we worked as a feminist collective, depending upon the generosity of supporters and volunteers to provide our services.
In the 1990s, along with many similar charities, we started to receive local authority and government funding. This followed years of lobbying by the women’s sector for government and agencies to recognise the deep harm caused to victims and survivors and to make proper provision for their support. We started to formalise our approach to work, developing standards for our services and innovation in our approach to services.
In 2004 we started to work outside of the area of York to deliver community-based services in parts of North Yorkshire. We also began providing support to male victims of abuse. To reflect our new areas of work and our new remit, we decided to change our name to Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS).
IDAS started as York Women’s Aid, providing safe accommodation to women in a 2-bedroomed flat donated by a local businessman.
York Women’s Aid recruit a manager. The organisation was previously delivered as a collective.
Recruitment of staffing for the refuge.
IDVA funding won in Hambleton & Richmondshire.
Additional funding won in York for outreach services. New refuge developed in York.
York Women's Aid develops services to support male victims.
York Women's Aid rebrands as Independent Domestic Abuse Services to reflect their widening remit.
Harrogate Women’s Aid merge with IDAS.
IDAS take on services to deliver IDVA support in Harrogate in agreement with Victim Support.
Craven domestic violence services and Selby services merge with IDAS and IDAS take on the management of IDVA services in these areas in agreement with Victim Support.
IDAS win an interim contract to deliver IDVA services countywide.
IDAS win countywide IDVA and ISVA services. National charity ‘Respect’ accept an expression of interest from IDAS to become one of their partners to deliver the RYPP (Respect Young Person’s Programme).
The ‘Early Intervention service’ is trialled in York.
IDAS win countywide outreach and refuge services in North Yorkshire. IDAS win DCLG funding to provide weekend work.
IDAS win Children in Need funding, Respect funding and funding for countywide early intervention work.
The IDVA and ISVA service is expanded.
IDAS win DCLG funding to work with perpetrators and train NYCC staff.
IDAS win Barnsley domestic abuse and sexual violence contracts. North Yorkshire Community Services achieve Safe Lives accreditation
Safe Lives Leading Lights accreditation achieved in Barnsley
Awarded Sheffield Community Services contract.
Safe Lives Leading Lights achieved in North Yorkshire.
Accreditation for North Yorkshire ISVA service.
Helpline delivery in Sheffield.
Awarded contract to deliver emergency accommodation in Sheffield.
Awarded a new 7 year contract to provide support and accommodation in Barnsley.
Awarded Doncaster Accommodation Contract to provide safe accommodation across the city.
Awarded social investment funding to purchase properties for families who need to escape abuse.
Purchased 18 properties to house victims and survivors.
Awarded funding to work with military communities across North Yorkshire to train professionals and support survivors.
