SAND - Surviving Abuse Northern Devon cic

12/12/2025

Please take some time to look at this amazing appeal. Christmas is such a special time of year when we spend time with friends and loved ones it's easy to forget those less fortunate.

This Winter, over 300,000 people in the UK will face the bitter cold without a place to call home. We are working together with The Standard to spread some much needed winter warmth.

12/12/2025

One of our clients, Maxine Cook, who is currently in counselling with us recently submitted three poems to an exhibition at Studio Kind. The exhibition was about mental health recovery. Three framed poems were given to SAND.

She has asked for the poem "Gaslit" to be placed on social media.The law on coersive control was brought in because violence is often the tip of the iceberg, and so she hopes that it will help people who feel lost in a fog of confusion to see through it and to realise that they are not alone.

10/12/2025

📣It’s the final day of the 16 Days of Action 2025. 📣

Our final theme is Counter Narrative to Misogyny.

This theme involves developing opposing views that support gender equality, confront sexist beliefs, and emphasize values such as empathy and respect. Approaches can involve teaching young people about online misogyny and manosphere content, increasing women’s visibility in leadership positions, highlighting positive male role models, as opposed to misogynistic influencers, strengthening laws that protect against misogynistic behaviour, and launching online and offline initiatives that portray women in empowered and diverse ways.

Educate Against Hate have introduced new resources and further sources of support for schools, colleges and training providers to tackle misogyny. Tackling misogyny requires a united effort between schools and families. To do so we need to both confront sexism and misogyny when we see it and create environments which celebrate gender equality.

Please see linked resources below:
Unmasking Misogyny - Drama resources - Educate Against Hate: https://www.educateagainsthate.com/resources/unmasking-misogyny-drama-resources/?es_c=7688AC55E930D38C52BE4D50CEE8DD65&es_cl=163A97334DDAD37126BCA2C1263ACB41&es_id=ph7%c2%a322&es_c=8A26C612532527721EFE66561FC52D7B&es_cl=3D2248594DEB0FACCCDCD6041BA6C6F1&es_id=ph7%c2%a322
Manosphere V1.2: https://www.educateagainsthate.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Manosphere-V1.2-1.pdf?es_c=7688AC55E930D38C52BE4D50CEE8DD65&es_cl=9AA5E04AC869E4648C23FA5A7BF3E15E&es_id=ph7%c2%a322prevent-to-march-2025/individuals-referred-to-and-supported-through-the-prevent-programme-april-2024-to-march-2025&es_c=8A26C612532527721EFE66561FC52D7B&es_cl=4807C42FFC98234135A0467AF4F5FE2C&es_id=ph7%c2%a322 -of-concern
Social Media Algorithms V1.2: https://www.educateagainsthate.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Social-Media-Algorithms-V1.2-1.pdf?es_c=7688AC55E930D38C52BE4D50CEE8DD65&es_cl=8A00C294178CB63A97A0140B3462D41F&es_id=ph7%c2%a322&es_c=8A26C612532527721EFE66561FC52D7B&es_cl=4E5F669EE685EFD7436A2F4BD17E2636&es_id=ph7%c2%a322
PowerPoint Presentation: https://www.swindonhealthyschools.org/resources/Misogyny%20May%202025%20%281%29.pdf?es_c=7688AC55E930D38C52BE4D50CEE8DD65&es_cl=DA78779F4D0BD7B0C9632A6DD991291F&es_id=ph7%c2%a322&es_c=8A26C612532527721EFE66561FC52D7B&es_cl=C08780CA4B25312E14A94D8D8922C97A&es_id=ph7%c2%a322

Our theme event today is with FearFree who are hosting an Employer Culture Code Workshop- support for employers to create a healthy psychologically safe workspace. Please check the website for updates on dates and times for this webinar: https://saferdevon.co.uk/domestic-sexual-violence-abuse/16-days-of-action-in-devon/

Additionally, there is another pop-up event at Petroc to reflect on the past 16 days.

10/12/2025

09/12/2025

📣On day fifteen, we focus on Children & Domestic Abuse and Family Justice. 📣

Over 105,000 children live in homes where there is high-risk domestic abuse. 78% of children living with domestic abuse are directly harmed by the perpetrator of the abuse, in addition to the harm caused by witnessing the abuse of others.
(SafeLives)

The Government has announced plans to repeal presumption of parental involvement from the Children Act 1989 following new evidence that shows that always prioritising contact can perpetuate child abuse in the worst cases. (http://www.gov.uk/)

There will be an online theme event on Addressing Domestic Abuse in the Family Court System with a date and time TBC so keep an eye on the website for further details.

https://saferdevon.co.uk/domestic-sexual-violence-abuse/16-days-of-action-in-devon/

08/12/2025

📣Our theme for day fourteen is Non-fatal Strangulation & Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) 📣

Statistics from UK Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) show that non-fatal strangulation (NFS) occurs in approximately 9-10% of all sexual assault cases, rising to about 1 in 5 (20%) when the perpetrator is an intimate partner.

Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) offer practical, medical and emotional support to everyone, regardless of age or gender.

There are SARCs based across Devon and Cornwall offering support throughout the region. Devon & Cornwall SARC - NHS: https://sarchelp.co.uk/

Our theme event TODAY is a webinar on non-fatal strangulation & Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) at 1-2pm. Follow this link to book your place: 9427b771-a2c0-4362-8ff1-5115bee872ef@8da13783-cb68-443f-bb4b-997f77fd5bfb" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/9427b771-a2c0-4362-8ff1-5115bee872ef@8da13783-cb68-443f-bb4b-997f77fd5bfb

07/12/2025

📣For day thirteen, we focus on Ethnically Diverse Groups & Domestic Abuse/Sexual Violence. 📣

Black and minoritised women are more likely to stay longer in an abusive relationship, not to report to the police, and have multiple perpetrators.

The Olive Project is a by and for organisation, providing specialist support to black and minoritised victims and survivors of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence. https://www.theoliveproject.uk/

The Olive Project are hosting a community focused event in which by and for and community organisations can come together and discuss the challenges faced by BMVS. This will be invite only to a number of organisations and the details for this are TBC.

06/12/2025

📣Day twelve is all about Domestic Abuse & Trauma in the Perinatal Period. 📣

Domestic abuse can begin and escalate during pregnancy in 30% of cases, with 4-8% of pregnant women experiencing physical abuse (SafeLives)

Support is available to anyone affected by domestic abuse from Devon Domestic Abuse Alliance: https://ddaa.org.uk/

Our theme event is a webinar: Domestic Abuse and Trauma in the Perinatal period. This will take place 22/01/26. Time: 13:00 – 14:30. Please save the following link in your calendars to join: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YjE1MzAyNjMtYWY5Mi00YThlLWI3ZWYtMDViNzM2Yzk2MjZk%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2258f8201f-1667-4187-ac7c-4ceb0eedbd09%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%2217b1c651-9e3d-4f19-ba80-9ae0680ac722%22%7d or email jess.taylor@ndada.co.uk to be sent an invitation.

An additional event taking place TODAY is: Reclaim the Wild – a Night Walk for Women at Arlington Court. 6:30pm-9pm. Please follow this link to book: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reclaim-the-wild-a-night-walk-for-women-at-arlington-court-tickets-1961007659699?aff=oddtdtcreator

05/12/2025

📣Our theme for day eleven is Su***de & Domestic Abuse. 📣

Su***de is the leading cause of death in domestic abuse cases. In many cases, coercive and controlling behaviour was a driving factor.

Support is available to anyone affected by domestic abuse from Devon Domestic Abuse Alliance: https://ddaa.org.uk/

Our theme event TODAY is a webinar: What we know to be the links between risks of su***de and domestic abuse, warning signs and practical safety planning, where to escalate concerns to. Time: 12:30-13:45 including Q&A. Link: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NGIyY2NmNTItNzViZi00MzMxLWE5YjYtZTg1Y2FkZTE0NjU3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7B%22Tid%22%3A%2228ca3363-276c-48af-a0e5-e570ed1be6ee%22%2C%22Oid%22%3A%22e6beb585-fd94-4b30-aae5-f6bd3e14a946%22%2C%22IsBroadcastMeeting%22%3Atrue%2C%22role%22%3A%22a%22%7D&btype=a&role=a

There is also an information stall: J9 Initiative and Family Hub collaboration, raising awareness of Domestic Abuse. 10am to 3pm. Exeter Library Exeter Rougemont Place, Exeter EX4 3PQ. Come and find out about the J9 Domestic Abuse Initiative training – creating Safe-Spaces in the community. Come and see how Family Hubs are working together with services and professional to support children, young people and families in their communities.

04/12/2025

📣Day 10 is all about Nighttime economy and street harassment. 📣

We all deserve to feel safe at night, whether we’re on a night out or walking home.

While this theme highlights the risks women still face from street and nighttime harassment, it is important to note that most sexual assaults and r**es happen in people's own homes by partners or ex-partners (2 in 5), or people known to victim-survivors (6 in 7).

This short video developed by Devon & Cornwall Police gives an overview of Project Nighteye, that aims to prevent sexual and other crimes by proactively identifying predatory sexual behaviour and intervening to prevent this escalating to an offence: Project Nighteye Animation - what is it, how to support and report: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CH3Lim2JjA&t=5s

Support is available if you have experienced sexual harassment, violence or abuse:

Devon RCSAS: Devon R**e Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services – We offer confidential, professional support to survivors or r**e, sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse in Devon: https://devonr**ecrisis.org.uk/

Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Service: The Bridge Project South West: https://bridgeprojectsw.org.uk/

Exeter University: Sexual violence | Wellbeing Services in Devon: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/students/wellbeing/devon/resources/sexualviolence/

Our theme event for TODAY is the Reclaim the Night march in Barnstaple. This is a free, family friendly event starting with the badge-making workshop in the library from 4pm and then the march from the Square, Barnstaple from 5pm.

An additional event for TODAY is online J9 Domestic Abuse Initiative UK - Creating Safe Spaces in the community. Training and resources for organisations in Devon and Cornwall that want to be able to support staff, clients, friends, family and the public who are impacted by domestic abuse. After the training, your business will become a J9 Organisation, offering a safe space where people can access information about Domestic Abuse, and a safe phone to contact domestic abuse services if they wish. 2 pm – 4:30 pm. Book here: J9 Sign Up 4th December 2025 for 16 Days of Action 14:00 - 16.30 – https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=qR-HNt-SdkWqjFnFD3dqYj_U8sGxsP9Go3EjX_2fx3ZUOEUzSVNOV0w1NjU5U0NHMFJRSk1RQUhCUyQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl

03/12/2025

📣Our theme for day nine is Coercive Control. 📣

Coercive control isn’t always obvious or visible, even to the person being controlled. Coercive control may happen gradually in a relationship. The perpetrator may not exercise this control/coercion every day. This can make it difficult to recognise the signs in your own relationship or another’s.

Perpetrators often begin, continue or escalate coercive, controlling and abusive behaviour after a relationship has ended.

What is coercive control: https://safelives.org.uk/about-domestic-abuse/what-is-domestic-abuse/coercive-control/ - SafeLives

TODAY we have two theme events we would like to highlight the following events:

Coercive & Controlling Behaviour in Teen Relationships - In memory of Holly Newton. Hosted by Barnardo's with support from Cornwall. 10 am – 1 pm. Join Here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/coercive-controlling-behaviour-in-teen-relationships-tickets-1716293613399?aff=oddtdtcreator

Animal Abuse as a Strategy of Coercive Control: Safeguarding People and Animals. Hosted by Refuge4Pets. 10:00am – 12:30pm. Join Here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/animal-abuse-as-a-strategy-of-coercive-control-animal-welfare-teams-tickets-1717280495189?aff=oddtdtcreator

03/12/2025

Good morning up awake early this morning and got me thinking as a survivor Christmas time can be really tough.
It’s such a busy time with all the lead up and the excitement lots of jobs to do or places to be.
The pain of what’s happened to survivors never goes away, you try and put a brave face on but the memories are always there.
Please remember this Christmas time to take time for yourselves just because it’s Christmas doesn’t mean you can’t feel the feelings you have and it’s ok to have a bad day.
Please keep an eye out for the 16 days of action events that are happening at the moment and take time for you ❤️
Don’t forget you’re not facing this alone SAND is there for you .