DAST
Domestic Abuse Support Team
- North Hertfordshire and Stevenage
We support people who are experiencing, or have experienced, domestic abuse. Our focus is on practical support and advocacy, helping you improve safety and access the services you need.
We understand that abuse affects people both emotionally and practically, and our support reflects this—combining practical help with emotional support as you work towards safety and independence.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER
Safety Planning
Understanding risks and creating plans to improve your safety
Housing Support
Exploring housing options and support with homelessness as a result of domestic abuse
Financial Guidance
Signposting to benefits and other financial support
Advocacy
Supporting you with other services like housing, health, social care and police
Legal Options
Exploring legal routes and connecting you to specialist legal services
Court Support
Attending hearings with you for practical and emotional support (where capacity allows)
We are not able to help with:
Counselling or Therapy
We can signpost you to services that provide therapeutic support
Mental Health Treatment
We can help you access appropriate mental health services
Crisis Mental Health Support
If you need urgent mental health support, we can direct you to crisis services
Legal Advice
We can't provide legal advice, but we can help you access specialist legal services
Who We Support
All Genders
All Religions
Able & Disabled
Ready to Flee or Have Fled
Age 16+
Where there is a practical support need
THE SUPPORT JOURNEY
Referral Recieved
We will respond to your refferal within 48 hours
Understanding Your Needs
A conversation with our team to explore what support would be most helpful for you
Working Together
Support tailored to your situation and goals—you're in control of the decisions
STAYING SAFE ONLINE
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- Delete your browsing history after visiting
- Consider using private browsing mode
- If possible, use a device your perpetrator cannot access
REFERRAL
SELF REFERRAL
If you have concerns about yourself or someone you know.
PROFESSIONAL
REFERRAL
For professionals referring clients. Use the box below to send a digital form to your inbox.
CONTACT
Signposting
Other support available to you
Legal Support
solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk
Help & Advice
citizensadvice.org.uk
Mental Health
Ring 111
Mental Health
everyturn.org
Local DA Support
www.hertssunflower.org
Emergency
Ring 999
Our domestic abuse services are proud to hold Leading Lights accreditation, awarded by SafeLives — the UK's leading authority on domestic abuse.
Leading Lights is the gold standard quality mark for frontline domestic abuse services, recognised by commissioners and partners across the UK. It is independently assessed and rigorously evidenced; only services that can demonstrate consistently safe, high-quality practice are awarded it.
For the people we support, it means one thing: you can trust that you're in good hands.
WHAT DO WE DO?
- Work in a trauma informed way to understand the needs and wishes of the individual
- Develop appropriate support and safety plans
- Work in partnership with other agencies supporting clients
- Support people to remain safely in own home where appropriate
- Source accommodation suited to client’s financial means, safety needs and individual requirements
- Support to get additional home security where required
- Assess financial capability & support with accessing relevant benefits
- Signpost to specialist support (legal/ mental health/ drug & alcohol etc.), advocating where required