Domestic Abuse Support

Rebecca Ball

Independent Domestic Violence Advocate

I’m an independent domestic abuse advocate and support individuals who have experienced domestic abuse. I also run recovery programmes for those looking to move forward safely and rebuild.

Email - rebeccalouiseidva@gmail.com

Mobile - number 07583787431

Independent Domestic Violence Advocate

I’m Rebecca, a qualified IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advocate), trained in the VOICE ( Victims of intimate coercive experience)  programme, and ETT ( Escape the Trap) I also am a Domestic Abuse Champion.

I have experience supporting survivors and I also offer domestic abuse training, awareness sessions, and professional support—helping individuals and organisations better understand abuse, its impact, and how to respond safely and effectively.

I work with empathy, without judgement, and with a strong belief in survivors’ strength, autonomy, and right to be heard.

I’m passionate about survivor-led, trauma-informed support and about creating spaces where people feel safe, believed, and empowered.

Key Updates in 2025

Expanded Definition of Abuse: The Act now explicitly includes coercive control, emotional, and economic abuse, alongside physical violence, recognizing that domestic abuse extends beyond physical harm. Post-separation abuse, such as manipulation through child maintenance, financial control, or housing interference, is also acknowledged.

Children as Victims: Children who witness or are exposed to abuse are legally recognized as victims. Courts now prioritize child safety and emotional wellbeing when determining parental contact, rather than assuming contact is automatically beneficial.
Protective Orders:

• Domestic Abuse Protection Notices (DAPNs): Issued immediately by police without court approval, providing short-term protection.

• Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs): Can be issued by family or criminal courts, imposing conditions such as exclusion zones or mandatory attendance at behaviour change programmes. Breaching a DAPO is a criminal offence, enforceable with penalties including imprisonment.

• These orders replace older measures like non-molestation and occupation orders and have no fixed time limit, ensuring long-term protection.

  
  Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA): Offenders sentenced to 12 months or more for controlling or coercive behaviour are now placed under MAPPA, a system previously used mainly for violent and sexual offenders, enhancing monitoring and reducing reoffending.

  
  Family Court Measures: Judges and court staff are receiving mandatory training to handle abuse cases with a trauma-informed approach, improving decision-making in complex family law situations