Preston Domestic Violence Services

17/12/2025

🏠 The Preston Sanctuary Scheme

Many victims of domestic violence are forced to leave their homes, families, and belongings behind because of ongoing abuse and threats.

The PDVS Sanctuary Scheme provides an alternative – helping victims stay in their homes safely through added security measures.

What the scheme offers:
🔒 Security surveys of your property
🚪 Extra locks, reinforced doors, window alarms & more
👮 Measures designed to keep you safe until police arrive

Who is eligible?
✅ Individuals no longer in the abusive relationship but still facing threats
✅ Live within Preston City Council boundaries
✅ Have the legal right to occupy the property (homeowner or tenant)
✅ Permission from landlord if renting

This is a partnership between Preston Domestic Violence Services and Preston City Council, working together to protect survivors of domestic abuse.

💜 You don’t have to leave your life behind to stay safe.

16/12/2025

🕊Through the Freedom Programme, survivors gain the clarity, tools, and confidence they need to break free from cycles of abuse so that they can move forward, in a supportive environment lead by our support workers and alongside understanding peers.
💜We offer the Freedom Programme weekly on a Friday from accessible venues in Preston.

👉 Self-refer today: https://www.pdvs.org.uk/referrals

📞 Helpline: 01772 201601

15/12/2025

💜PDVS can help you explore your options safely, at your own pace. All our of our trained support workers are non judgmental, here to support your through your journey at your own pace.

💛Call our helpline on 01772 201601 or send us a self referral from at www.pdvs.org.uk/referrals

14/12/2025

For many survivors, self-care isn't bubble baths and scented candles - it's reclaiming moments of peace, safety, and autonomy in ways that feel meaningful.

Today, self-care might be:
💜 Saying no without guilt
💜 Sitting in silence for a few minutes
💜Asking for help
💜Turning your phone off for an hour
💜Drinking water and taking a deep breath

There's no right or wrong way to take care of yourself. You deserve care that honours your strength, your pace and your healing.

💛 If you are struggling, you are not alone. We're here for you.

Contact us for advice and support.

13/12/2025

At PDVS, this couldn’t be more true. Every day, our team brings passion, care, and dedication to supporting individuals and families across Preston.

It’s the love and commitment we each give together that makes our work powerful and life-changing.

We’re proud to be a team who love what we do - and who do it for our community. 💜

12/12/2025

Economic abuse isn’t just about money, it’s a form of control that can trap someone in an abusive relationship.

In the UK, around 1 in 7 women experienced economic abuse in the past year, including control of finances, restricting access to money, or sabotaging credit.

At Preston Domestic Violence Service, we offer confidential support and practical guidance to help survivors recognise economic abuse and to finding financial independence. 💜

11/12/2025

Reclaim the Night 2025
Thank You Preston 💙

Last night we came together to Reclaim the Night marching with strength, pride and purpose to say no more violence against women and girls.
It was a beautiful, powerful moment of solidarity and a reminder that when women stand together, we create visibility, community and change.

A huge thank you to our partner organisations who marched with us and helped make the night so meaningful:
💜 Lancashire Women
💜 Safenet Domestic Abuse Services
💜 Trust House
💜 Places for People
Your support, voices and presence made the message even louder.

As the 16 Days of Activism campaign comes to an end, our work does not. This is just the beginning:

We will keep marching.
We will keep raising our voices.
We will keep demanding an end to violence against women and girls, online and offline, until every woman and girl is safe.

💛Thank you to everyone who joined us, shared the message, or stood with us in spirit.
Together, we reclaim our streets, our spaces and our right to live free from violence.

10/12/2025

🌍Today marks Human Rights Day and the final day of the 16 Days of Activism.

Over the last two weeks, we’ve explored how digital violence threatens safety, silences women and girls, and deepens inequality. At its core, this issue is about something fundamental: the right to live free from violence, discrimination and fear both online and offline.

📱Online spaces shape our work, our relationships, our voices and our freedoms.
That’s why digital safety is a human right, and protecting women and girls from online abuse must be treated with the same urgency as any other form of violence.

💜🧡 Tonight we take this message into our community 🧡💜
Join us for our "Reclaim the Night" walk - a peaceful act of solidarity calling for an end to violence against women and girls - including digital violence.

📍 Walk: Penwortham Bridge → Preston Flag Market
(Female participants & those who identify as female)
📍 Rally: Preston Flag Market
(Open to all genders)

As we close this year’s campaign, we walk together to honour survivors, reclaim safety and demand a future where every woman and girl is safe - everywhere.

09/12/2025

*** TOMORROW ***

📣Join us on Wednesday 10th December for “Reclaim the Night”, a peaceful walk and rally raising awareness about ending digital violence against women and girls.

💜 This free event is hosted by PDVS in partnership with Lancashire Women, Trust House, Safenet and Place for People uniting to take a stand against violence and support survivors.

📍 Walk: Penwortham Bridge → Preston Flag Market
(Open to females & those who identify as female only – a safe space to walk together in solidarity)

📍 Rally: Preston Flag Market
(Open to all genders – hear stories from members of our Survivors Forum, enjoy live music, and show your support for the cause)

Although the event is free, booking is required. Reserve your space and find out more - www.ticketsource.co.uk/pdvs
🔗 www.ticketsource.co.uk/pdvs

08/12/2025

Online harassment, threats, and abuse don’t just target individuals they aim to silence women’s voices.

A 2024 survey in the UK found women are far more likely than men to say they feel unsafe participating online, more fearful of harassment and significantly more likely to limit online engagement, which underlines the silencing effect of digital abuse. (Source: Cornell University)

Digital violence isn’t a glitch - it’s a tactic used to control, intimidate and exclude and every act of abuse counters our collective right to speak, share and participate freely.

05/12/2025

Image-based abuse is one of the fastest-growing forms of digital violence and it’s disproportionately impacting women and girls. From non-consensual image sharing to AI-generated deepfakes, this harm goes far beyond the screen.

📊 Research shows:
• Women are the primary targets of explicit deepfakes
• Image-based abuse is linked to increased fear, anxiety and offline harassment
• Many survivors describe the impact as long-lasting and deeply violating

No one should have their privacy or identity weaponised against them.

If you’re experiencing digital abuse or worried someone you know might be PDVS offers confidential advice and support. Call our helpline on 01772 201601 or visit www.pdvs.org.uk to self refer.

04/12/2025

According to UN Women, online violence now affects millions globally.
This is not “just internet drama.” It is a serious gender‑based violation that impacts safety, mental health, freedom and too often, it spills into the real world.

⚠️ We all deserve to feel safe online.

🔗 Read more / learn how to protect yourself and others: https://www.unwomen.org/en/articles/explainer/online-safety-101-what-every-woman-and-girl-should-know

Online abuse is rising fast – from harassment to deepfake nudes targeting women and girls. Learn the warning signs, safety tips, and where to find help in our online safety 101.