Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Abuse
DAfree offers a modern approach to prevent Domestic Abuse, raising awareness and fostering healthier relationships before harm occurs.
Why DAfree?
The UK Domestic Abuse Act 2021
According to the Home Office, about 2.3 million people between the ages of 16 and 74 are abused in their own homes every year,
with women making up two-thirds of that number.
On top of that, more than 10% of all crimes reported to the police are related to domestic abuse. This is why, from a legal point of view, the way domestic abuse is dealt with in the United Kingdom has changed significantly over the last fifty years.
The aim of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 is to make it more feasible for many different agencies to deal with domestic abuse by providing a clear legal description of the crime.
Abusive behaviour within domestic environments may occur in various forms, including, but not limited to:
- Coercive control, a persistent behaviour employing intimidation, degradation, isolation, and manipulation, often accompanied by the threat or real physical or sexual violence.
- Emotional and psychological mistreatment.
- Abuse, whether physical or sexual.
- Financial abuse.
- Inappropriate attention and stalking.
- Cyber and digital abuse.
The Research behind Dafree
Following the enactment of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021,
it has become evident that domestic abuse in England and Wales still remains a deeply complex issue.
Victims often face immense challenges in reporting offences, while limited resources and support programmes make it difficult to deliver justice or provide meaningful rehabilitation for offenders.
Legislation alone cannot end domestic abuse. By the time a case reaches the legal system, the harm has already been done.
True progress requires going beyond the law, fostering awareness, prevention, and cultural change within our communities.
To break the cycle of abuse, we must raise awareness of harmful behaviours, set clear boundaries for what is unacceptable, and build a shared understanding across all backgrounds.
Only then can we create lasting change and protect future generations.
The Story Behind the DAfree Symbol
During one of the hardest times of my life after divorce, I felt close to breaking. Everything I had built seemed uncertain and
I was searching for clarity in the middle of chaos.
One morning, I noticed a baby gull outside my window.
Soon, three chicks appeared, with their parents returning regularly to feed and care for them. I began to follow their routines and even gained their trust. The smallest chick struggled to grow. The larger ones were quicker to grab food, leaving it weaker and often overlooked.
I felt compelled to protect and support the most vulnerable. In caring for that little gull, I found healing and a renewed sense of hope.
This experience inspired me to help others and advocate for those often overlooked. Watching the smallest gull finally grow and thrive became a powerful symbol of resilience and transformation.
That baby gull is now the symbol of DAfree, a reminder like gulls, survivors are strong, intelligent, and resilient. Still, through awareness and prevention, we can protect future generations from abuse and create a world where freedom, safety and respect are the norm.
Become a DAfree `Member
DAfree community provides a welcoming and safe space where survivors, allies, and advocates unite to take meaningful action together.
Share your story, offer your support, or connect with those who truly care: this is your space.
Awareness leads to freedom!
