The DSVA Alliance is a large network of voluntary and statutory organisations and community members working together to end domestic and sexual violence and abuse in Devon. Devon County Council and the Alliance has worked tirelessly to develop a Devon –wide strategy to end domestic and sexual violence and abuse.
Our Vision
Our vision is simple; to end domestic and sexual violence and abuse in Devon. We know that this will not be quick or easy to achieve, but domestic and sexual violence and abuse must never be accepted, tolerated or excused.
Our Principles
We work to end the perpetration of domestic and sexual violence and abuse
We challenge attitudes, beliefs and behaviours that underpin and perpetuate domestic and sexual violence and abuse, and work to prevent domestic and sexual violence and abuse now and in future generations.
We hold abusive behaviour to account
Domestic and sexual violence and abuse is unacceptable. We disrupt and hold abusive behaviour to account, with the safety and wellbeing of victims at the centre of our response.
We are led by real lives
We listen, believe and act on the voices of people in Devon who have experienced domestic and sexual violence and abuse, and put them at the heart of everything we do.
We work in partnership
It is everyone’s responsibility to end domestic and sexual violence and abuse. We work together to make this a reality.
We work with the most marginalised
We recognise that those who are most marginalised by our society are often those who are most at risk of domestic and sexual violence and abuse. We work together to tackle its root causes and harmful consequences.
We make every contact count
We always look for the causes beyond the presenting issues and ensure that ‘no door is the wrong door’ for anyone asking for support.
We develop consistent, trusted relationships
We spend time developing consistent, non-judgemental and trusted relationships and empower professionals to respond in the right way at the right time.
We value people
Everyone has strength, resilience and agency. We support people and communities to find an approach which is right for them.
We give permission
We give permission to identify and challenge behaviours, practices and attitudes that perpetuate domestic and sexual violence and abuse.
We promote healthy relationships
We model and promote healthy, positive and respectful relationships across the life-course in every relationship we have.
Ending Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse – Devon’s Strategy 2016 – 2021
We have been privileged to hear the real life stories of people in Devon who have experienced domestic and sexual violence and abuse. Their stories often begin in childhood and describe the isolating, traumatising and devastating impact that domestic and sexual violence and abuse has had on their lives. Here are some of their stories:
To end domestic and sexual violence and abuse in Devon we must take action at all levels: from prevention through to recovery and resilience; from supporting individuals to taking action at a societal level. Only through radical transformation can public services respond to increasingly complex needs with ever decreasing budgets. Above all, the children, families and individuals affected by violence and abuse must be at the centre of everything we do. DSVA 5 Year Action Plan