Key pillars of the 2026-2030 strategy are to:
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Disrupt the pipeline through prevention and early intervention
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Deliver safe, effective and impact-focused services
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Influence policy and driving systems-level change
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Build a sustainable, high-performing organisation
Liz Mack, Director at Advance, said:
“Advance’s first conference gathered experts and authoritative professionals to discuss the issues and challenges that charities in the women’s sector face in supporting women and girls affected by domestic abuse and those in the criminal justice system.
“In launching our strategy for the next three years we were also able to reveal new initiatives alongside our established evidence-based practice that aligns with the UK Government’s VAWG strategy.
“As Advance’s new Chair, I welcome this type of debate and discussion to support better understanding and knowledge sharing.”
Alex Davies-Jones, in a video message to Advance’s conference, said:
“This isn’t just about justice, this is about every single government department playing its part, whether that be health, education, DWP, transports – all of them coming together to really tackle the root causes of violence against women and girls.
“This isn’t just about justice, this is about every single government department playing its part, whether that be health, education, DWP, transports – all of them coming together to really tackle the root causes of violence against women and girls.”
Sharon Holland, who campaigns tirelessly to raise awareness of domestic abuse related suicides, said:
“The Advance conference was brilliant. Such a positive event. I left feeling uplifted and full of hope that women and girls like my Chloe will be listened to and helped.”
Baroness Gabby Bertin, said:
“It was a privilege to be invited to take part in Advance’s very first conference. When I became a Member of the House of Lords I wanted to use this platform to focus on domestic abuse policy and one of my first visits was to the Charity’s Centre in Hammersmith to see first-hand the invaluable work that Advance’s incredible staff and volunteers do on the front-line 24/7.”
Anita Hamilton, Advance Chair, said:
“Advance’s first conference gathered experts and authoritative professionals to discuss the issues and challenges that charities in the women’s sector face in supporting women and girls affected by domestic abuse and those in the criminal justice system.
“In launching our strategy for the next three years we were also able to reveal new initiatives alongside our established evidence-based practice that aligns with the UK Government’s VAWG strategy.
“As Advance’s new Chair, I welcome this type of debate and discussion to support better understanding and knowledge sharing.”
Andrea Simons, Mayor of London’s Victims Commissioner, said:
“Advance demonstrates the power of partnership, listening to lived experience and working collaboratively to ensure women can access specialist, trauma-informed and culturally competent support.”
ENDS
Media enquiries
For more information, please contact Tracie Couper, Press Officer at Advance, at tracie.c@advancecharity.org.uk or on 0743 2700 287.
Notes
- Advance’s specialist advocates work in partnership with 11 local and national women’s service providers, alongside statutory services to provide services within women’s communities across the 6 regions of Hampshire, Kent, Thames Valley, Essex, Hertfordshire, and Bedfordshire.
- Through our woman-centred approach, we aim to prevent the cycle of re-offending, tackling issues such as lack of consistent housing and homelessness, domestic abuse and sexual violence, mental health, emotional well-being, parenting and family relationships, education training and employment, finance, benefits, and debt.
About Advance
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- Advance’s vision is a world in which women and children lead safe, just and equal lives so that they can flourish and actively contribute to society. The charity works with women who experience domestic abuse to be safe and take control of their lives, and women who have committed crime or are at risk of offending to break the cycle.
- As well as providing direct support, Advance works with statutory services, government agencies and other women’s charities to ensure a holistic approach to the issues these women face.
- Women must be referred to Advance, via statutory services or the charity’s self-referral scheme. For more information about who Advance is able to support, please visit Get help
- For facts and statistics about domestic abuse and women in the criminal justice system, as well as Advance’s work, please visit Our impact
