Question 1

What does a domestic abuse consultant do?

Accepted Answer

A domestic abuse consultant works with organisations such as local authorities, housing providers, NHS trusts, and charities to help them develop, improve, and deliver their response to domestic abuse. This includes reviewing policies and procedures, designing strategies, delivering training, supporting accreditation processes, and providing expert advice on best practice. At Soteria, we bring both professional expertise and lived experience to every piece of work.

Question 2

Why bring in an external domestic abuse consultant?

Accepted Answer

Many organisations have committed and well-meaning staff, but domestic abuse is a highly specialist field that requires deep, up-to-date knowledge of legislation, best practice, trauma, risk, and safeguarding. An independent specialist consultant brings expertise that is difficult and costly to develop in-house, offers an objective external perspective, and can work across teams and departments in a way that internal staff often cannot. Soteria combines specialist expertise with lived experience, bringing both strategic insight and practical understanding to every engagement.

Question 3

How is working with Soteria different from using a large consultancy firm?

Accepted Answer

Soteria is a founder-led specialist consultancy, which means you work directly with the same experienced consultant throughout your engagement rather than being passed between teams or junior staff. Our work is grounded in both professional excellence and lived experience of domestic abuse, which brings a depth of understanding that larger, generalist firms simply cannot offer. You get specialist expertise, personal accountability, and a genuine commitment to your organisation's outcomes.

Question 4

What is DAHA accreditation and do we need it?

Accepted Answer

DAHA, the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance, is the UK's leading accreditation programme for housing providers. It sets the standard for how housing organisations should respond to domestic abuse. If you are a housing association, local authority housing team, or private landlord, DAHA accreditation demonstrates your commitment to keeping residents safe. Soteria can support you through every stage of the accreditation process.

Question 5

What is trauma-informed practice?

Accepted Answer

Trauma-informed practice means understanding how trauma, including domestic abuse, affects people's behaviour, mental health, and ability to engage with services. Organisations that adopt a trauma-informed approach create safer, more effective environments for both the people they support and their staff. Soteria provides consultancy and guidance to help organisations embed trauma-informed principles across their work.

Question 6

What is a VAWG needs assessment?

Accepted Answer

VAWG stands for Violence Against Women and Girls. A VAWG needs assessment is a structured piece of research and analysis that helps local authorities and commissioners understand the scale and nature of domestic abuse and other forms of VAWG in their area. It informs strategy, commissioning decisions, and service design. Soteria has extensive experience designing and delivering VAWG needs assessments.

Question 7

How much does a domestic abuse consultant cost?

Accepted Answer

Fees vary depending on the scope, complexity, and duration of the work. Every project is scoped individually to reflect your organisation's requirements, objectives and timescales. Following an initial discussion, Soteria provides a clear proposal with transparent fees and agreed deliverables.

Question 8

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

Soteria is based in Bristol and works with organisations across England and Wales. We regularly work with clients in Bristol, the South West, and nationally. Most consultancy work can be delivered remotely, with in-person visits arranged where needed.

Question 9

Do you work in Scotland or Northern Ireland?

Accepted Answer

Domestic abuse legislation and policy differs across the four nations of the UK. In Scotland, the Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 applies, and in Northern Ireland, the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (Northern Ireland) 2021. Soteria's expertise is primarily in the England and Wales legislative framework. If you are based in Scotland or Northern Ireland, please get in touch to discuss your specific needs and we will advise honestly on whether we are the right fit.

Question 10

What size organisations do you work with?

Accepted Answer

Soteria works with organisations of all sizes, from small voluntary sector charities to large local authorities and NHS trusts. Every engagement is tailored to the size, capacity, and specific needs of your organisation.

Question 11

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Get in touch to arrange an initial conversation about your organisation's requirements. We'll discuss your objectives, answer any questions and, where appropriate, provide a tailored proposal. There is no obligation and all enquiries are treated in confidence.

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