Domestic Abuse Counselling Service

The Domestic Abuse Counselling Service (DACS) is a non-profit charity dedicated to providing counselling services that reduce the risk of domestic violence and support a safe family life. Established in January 2006, DACS has been delivering therapeutic interventions and support services throughout the county of Warwickshire, working with victims, perpetrators, teenagers, young people, and younger children. Our ultimate goal is to reduce the risk of repeat victimisation and increase safety for those affected by domestic abuse.

Our Services

We provide a range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our services include:

• Victim Services: We offer weekly one-on-one counselling sessions for victims of domestic abuse. Our counselling sessions provide a safe and confidential space for victims to process their experiences and receive support.

• Partner Support Program: Our support program aims to help partners of perpetrators of domestic abuse. We recognise the impact that domestic abuse has on partners and provide therapeutic interventions to help them cope and heal.

• Perpetrator Services: We provide weekly one-on-one counselling sessions for perpetrators of domestic abuse. Our therapeutic interventions are designed to help perpetrators understand the causes and consequences of their behaviours and develop strategies to change.

• Children's and Young Peoples Services: We offer individual therapy for children who have been affected by domestic abuse. We also provide group work for children and young people, providing a safe space for them to express their feelings and receive support.

Our Approach

At DACS, we take a holistic and non-judgemental approach to our work. We individualise each person and their experience of domestic violence/abuse and how it has affected their life. We work with both female and male victims and male and female perpetrators, heterosexual and same-sex relationships. Our team of experienced and knowledgeable counsellors are all members of RESPECT, the national umbrella for domestic violence work. We attend regular annual professional training to ensure our work is up-to-date and relevant.

Our Journey

The Domestic Abuse Counselling Service was founded in 2006 by Kate Farmer, a counselling therapist and visionary with a strong working background in domestic violence crisis support. We began with a dedicated group of volunteer counsellors and a passionate board of Trustees. Together, we combined a team that possessed a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field of domestic abuse, from crisis support, refuge, social care, professional legal advice, and professional counselling.

In 2007, the National Lottery 'Communities Fund' supported our work with victims, and we became the lead domestic violence counselling service in Warwickshire. In 2009, we were one of the first charities in the UK funded by the National Lottery to work with perpetrators on a one-to-one basis. This was a successful free service that spanned four years.

Today, we continue to provide valuable services to our community, independently funded. Our strong dedicated team has a pioneering spirit and steadfast passion to help those disadvantaged by domestic violence/abuse.