SSAFA RAF PS&SWS is committed to:
- Raising awareness of domestic abuse within the RAF community.
- Providing confidential, non-judgmental support to those affected, male or female alike.
- Working collaboratively with specialist agencies to ensure individuals receive the most appropriate care and protection.
- Promoting a culture where there is no defence towards abuse in all its forms.
- If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please reach out. You are not alone, and support is available.
How we have helped those who have reached out:
Case Study #1: "Reaching Out in Silence"
One of our Social Work Team Leads describes a case where we supported the partner of a serving person who needed support to leave an abusive relationship.
We responded to an anonymous callback request via the Digital Welfare Hub. Concerned about confidentiality and their ex-partner’s presence at the station, the client used email to ensure them reaching out for support was unnoticed. They were provided with a discreet booking link for an online appointment.
They disclosed emotional, financial, and coercive abuse from a serving ex-partner, alongside financial dependence and reluctance to involve authorities. Our Welfare Officer, and a colleague from SSAFA’s Stepping Stones Home (a supported refuge for women and children), offered ongoing support - completing a DASH risk assessment, maintaining weekly check-ins, and using coded communication to ensure safety of her and the children.
They were signposted to, and supported to make contact with, specialist services including Women’s Aid, a local legal clinic and Citizen’s Advice. We also helped the service user to explore housing and financial options.
Eventually, the service user and their children safely relocated to a refuge - their location is unknown to the alleged perpetrator and it’s now in the court arena. Before ending our support, the Welfare Officer shared resources for mental health and post-move support, including the details of Aurora New Dawn, to ensure they could process, and move on from, their experience now they were safe.
Our message to others: support is always available, confidential, and accessible - whenever you're ready.
Case Study #2: "Building Trust, Finding Safety"
One of our Welfare Officers describes a case where we supported the wife of a serving person who originally came to us for housing and relationship support.
A service user initially sought support, with the Personal Support & Social Work Service (PS&SWS) for relationship and housing concerns through a Welfare Officer at another station. When relocated with their serving partner, they requested service family accommodation to be closer to relatives. As the case progressed, face-to-face meetings revealed signs of domestic abuse - nervousness, secrecy about their location, and lack of access to station facilities.
Over time, they disclosed incidents of emotional and financial control, shouting, and verbal abuse. A DASH risk assessment was completed, and with the client’s consent, a referral was made to Women’s Aid. Advocacy and legal advice were arranged, giving the service user confidence to have a voice, know their rights and addressing fears around social work involvement.
Our support continued for nearly two years, including navigating housing barriers caused by the alleged perpetrator’s refusal to update their marital status. Once this was resolved, it allowed the service user to access social housing. They eventually relocated to a new property, gaining safety and distance, with ongoing remote support from the PS&SWS.
This case highlights the importance of early intervention, legal awareness, and access to advocacy and housing services. Signposting to organisations such as Women’s Aid and Aurora New Dawn remains a key part of how we can support, ensuring others can find help when they need it most.
Our message to others: if you are in danger – get immediate help, seek support and know you are not alone.
Case Study #3: "Responsive Support Through Repeated Crisis"
One of our Social Work Team Leads describes a case where we supported a serving person who experiences a cyclical pattern of abuse from his partner.
A serving person was initially referred to us by P-Staff and has subsequently reached out for support directly on multiple occasions. Most recently, they sent a message to a Welfare Officer, and we were able to offer a same-day appointment.
Following escalating relationship issues and being asked to leave their home by his partner, he needed support to find alternative housing not just for himself, but also for his children. He disclosed experiences of coercive control, verbal insults, and relentless contact through calls and social media, all of which had taken a toll on his emotional wellbeing.
Support was quickly mobilised, with his consent, accommodation services were engaged, the Senior Community Support Officer explored alternative housing options, and DCMH stepped in after the service user shared suicidal thoughts. Pastoral care was also arranged through the Padre. External resources like the Mankind Initiative were discussed for future support, should he choose to leave the relationship.
Currently, the couple is living separately but both parties are exploring reconciliation, enabled by the 93-day review period. We continue to monitor the service user’s emotional wellbeing through regular check-ins, offering a safe space to talk and assess risk.
This wasn’t the first time the service user had reached out - their relationship had been marked by cycles of breakdown and reconciliation. Throughout, the service has remained flexible - offering remote and in-person support without waiting lists, ready to respond whenever the service user reaches out.
Our message to others: whether you need our support, once, twice or more; we are always here to support you.
Recommended Support Agencies and Resources
There are a number of helplines and organisations that can offer support to those affected by Domestic Abuse.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call the police on 999.
Helplines
Aurora New Dawn
A helpline for Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force personnel and their family members who are victims and survivors of Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence or Stalking.
Helpline: 0333 0912 527
Website: aurorand.org.uk/armed-forces
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Call for free and in confidence, 24-hours a day. We can talk in confidence, in many different languages, 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Website: nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Respect Advice Line
A confidential helpline for men experiencing domestic abuse.
Helpline: 0808 8010 327
Website: mensadviceline.org.uk
Stalking Helpline
The National Stalking Helpline gives practical information, support, and advice to victims of stalking.
Helpline: 0808 8020 300
Website: suzylamplugh.org/refer-someone-to-us
Respect Phoneline (for Perpetrators)
A helpline to provide help for perpetrators to support them to become safe around their partner and children.
Helpline: 0808 802 4040
Website: respectphoneline.org.uk
Organisations
Women’s Aid
Support, signposting, information and advice for women affected by domestic abuse.
Contact: Find local help: Women's Aid Directory
Website: womensaid.org.uk/about-domestic-abuse
ManKind Initiative
An information and signposting service to men suffering from domestic abuse from their current or former partner.
Contact: 0808 8001 170
Website: mankind.org.uk
Rights of Women
Charity providing frontline legal advice to women experiencing all forms of violence against women and girls in England and Wales.
Contact: 020 7251 6575
Website: rightsofwomen.org.uk
Citizen’s Advice
Here to help everyone who needs it with practical advice you can really trust. Our national charity and network of local charities offer confidential advice for free.
Contact: 0800 144 8848 (England) / 0800 702 2020 (Wales)
Website: citizensadvice.org.uk
Refuge
Accommodation advice for women and children escaping domestic abuse
Contact: Online chatbot - National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Website: refuge.org.uk
Victim Support
National charity for people affected by crime.
Contact: 0808 1689 111
Website: victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support
Apps and Resources
Bright Sky
A free service for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or worried about someone else.
Online: uk.bright-sky.org/en
HollieGuard - Personal Safety App
A subscription-based smart-phone app that can help protect a vulnerable person. It acts as a personal alarm, deterrent, evidence catcher and more.
Online: hollieguard.com
RAF Domestic Abuse Handbook
A guide for everyone - to support RAF people in their responsibilities and provide valuable useful signposts for all our people and their families.
Online: RAF Domestic Abuse Handbook
Getting help for domestic violence and abuse - NHS
Domestic violence or abuse can happen to anyone - find out how to recognise the signs and where to get help.
Online: nhs.uk/live-well/getting-help-for-domestic-violence
Talk to the Personal Support and Social Work Service
If you need us, the SSAFA RAF PS&SWS can be reached in any number of ways - please use the one you are most comfortable with:
WhatsApp: +44 20 3769 0808
Facebook: facebook.com/ssafarafpssws
Call: 0800 058 4690 (UK callers) | +44 20 4570 3939 (Overseas callers)
Webchat: Click here
& in-person at most RAF stations
Live Chat