Next Step (Against Domestic Abuse)

Next Step (Against Domestic Abuse) is an organisation that provides and co-ordinates free support and services to anyone in South Derbyshire affected by domestic abuse, including family members and friends of victims and perpetrators. They may be affected at the moment or they may have been affected in the past.

We at Next Step are not here to make decisions for those who come to us and will not push anyone into making decisions or doing something they don't want to. We provide information to those who come to us and we will support the decisions that they make.

Men and women aged 16 and over are welcome to use our services, which include:

Confidential Helpline

This is the first point of contact for people seeking information, advice and support. It offers a caring, non-judgmental ear for adults over 16 years who have experienced domestic abuse and related issues at any time in their lives.

Counselling

We provide one-to-one counselling for as long as it is required. Support can be in person or over the telephone.

Signposting

We can help people to identify who they need to contact to deal with the various issues they have. We point people in the right direction to find the answers and information they are looking for.

Advocacy

We provide support by attending meetings with and liasing with other organisations like housing providers, solicitors, the Courts, Welfare Benefits and Social Services (Read More).

Temporary accommodation

We will locate temporary accommodation to give sufferers a secure place to make decisions about their future. We also help those from outside the area find places in refuges in and around Derbyshire (See Accommodation).

Self-help groups

Several groups meet throughout the week, enabling people to support each other and giving them the opportunity to increase their confidence and self-esteem. The Freedom Programme can form one of these (Read More).

The Sanctuary Scheme

Works by providing different levels of improved security in order to make the victim safe in their own home. Additional security measures introduced as part of it vary and can include reinforced doors and window locks (See Accommodation).

Independent Domestic Abuse Advisor

Provides a service to high risk victims Our Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy service provides support to high risk victims at their home if it is safe to do so, at a safe public place in their home area, such as the doctor's surgery, children's centre or other community venue or at Next Step's Drop in Centre. The IDVA worker helps people to think about their situation and consider the options available to them so that they can decide what they would like to do next.

ACCESS ANY OR THESE SERVICES OR DETAILS ABOUT THEM BY CALLING THE HELPINE.

01283 229854

We depend heavily on volunteers (please click here for more details) to help us operate these services, please consider giving some of your time to help.