As a Domestic Abuse Caseworker, I support women across the boroughs of Hammersmith & Fulham, Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster, guiding them to navigate complex systems to access safety, stability and support.
While no two days are the same in this role, there is a rhythm to the work. On a duty day, my mornings typically begin with checking for new referrals. These referrals may come from the Police, local authorities, hospitals or self-referrals from the women themselves. Each case is different, and the initial contact is often the most crucial part as it’s where we start building trust with the survivors. I conduct risk assessments using tools such as the DASH (Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour-Based Violence) checklist to understand the level of risk the woman is facing and what needs to happen immediately to safeguard her. During the initial assessment, we’ll talk through her options, so that we are creating that initial support plan together based on her choices and needs
As soon as I’m allocated a case, I work closely with the survivor to develop a safety plan tailored to her specific situation. Some women need help relocating to refuge accommodation, others require protection orders or assistance engaging with social services or immigration solicitors. Many survivors face multiple barriers, including insecure immigration status, language needs or mental health concerns. That’s where partnership working becomes essential.
Through Angelou, I coordinate with other specialists to ensure wraparound support. For example, I may liaise with a partner agency that might focus on mental health to get therapeutic services in place such as Womans Trust. We share updates through multi-agency meetings, ensuring our support does not duplicate but rather complements each other.
Collaboration with local authorities is another key part of my day-to-day work. I regularly attend safeguarding meetings with social workers, housing officers and other professionals where cases are discussed to create a coordinated safety plan. My role is to advocate for the survivor’s needs while helping other professionals understand the dynamics of abuse and the importance of survivor-led decision making.
Of course, the work can be emotionally challenging. We hear difficult stories daily and we are working in a fast-paced environment. But we also have a supportive team structure, with regular supervision, reflective practice and peer support. This plays a vital role in helping us deliver safe, ethical and empowering services.
Working in the Angelou team goes beyond individual work; it is also about driving systemic change. By working in partnership, we break down barriers and ensure that survivors don’t fall through the gaps. Angelou is a powerful reminder that safety and recovery demand a collective effort.
In this work, every small step a survivor takes is a victory. And each time we collaborate across agencies, boroughs and areas of expertise, we contribute to building a safer, more just future for women and girls.
*Name changed to protect anonymity
About Angelou
The Angelou Partnership is a collaboration between several organisations including, Advance, Women and Girls Network, Solace, IKWRO, Al-Hasaniya, Galop, DVIP, Standing Together, Women’s Trust and Hestia. This coordinated approach allows us to provide comprehensive support to deliver holistic support to survivors of gender-based violence. This includes domestic abuse, sexual violence, forced marriage and honour-based abuse.
