Creating safe spaces: How Cambridgeshire Shared Lives’ DASV project is supporting survivors of domestic abuse

Domestic abuse is about more than physical violence. It includes coercion, control, financial abuse, threats, and emotional harm – often hidden but deeply damaging. In the year ending March 2024, an estimated 2.3 million adults in England and Wales experienced domestic abuse – around 1 in 30 adults overall, including 1 in 20 women and 1 in 70 men. Over a lifetime, around 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will experience domestic abuse.

For people with learning disabilities and autism, the risks are even higher – and mainstream services often struggle to meet their needs. In Cambridgeshire, a pioneering approach is changing that. The Cambridgeshire Shared Lives Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (DASV) Project, launched in 2023, was the first of its kind in the UK. By combining the trusted Shared Lives model with specialist domestic abuse services, it offers survivors not only safety but also the chance to rebuild confidence, independence, and trust.

Libby Swannell-Bell, Cambridgeshire Shared Lives DASV Project Coordinator for Cambridgeshire County Council, said the project was born out of local collaboration and a shared determination to fill a clear gap in support. “The initial research and project development was done within the Cambridgeshire DASV Partnership as a response to gaps identified [in local needs],” she explained. “The DASV Partnership then approached Cambridgeshire Shared Lives scheme to facilitate the project. The collaboration is what has made this project possible – neither team could have done it independently of the other.” Preliminary findings had shown that domestic abuse was “incredibly prevalent among people with learning disabilities and/or autism,” so the team decided to focus the project on people with learning disabilities, later expanding it to include autism.

In its first year, the Cambridgeshire Shared Lives DASV project supported three women with learning disabilities, offering day support, respite, emergency stays and a long-term arrangement. Each survivor was carefully matched with a Shared Lives carer to ensure safety and belonging. Libby said that for most people, “it’s an opportunity to talk to someone they trust on a human level in an environment they feel safe and confident to do so,” adding that they have received feedback describing the service as “a lifesaver.”

In its second year, the project’s impact has grown significantly – with a 267% increase in survivors supported, a more diverse group that included six women, four men and one non-binary participant, and over 400 professionals trained to recognise abuse in people with learning disabilities and autism. The number of approved carers also rose from four to ten.

Libby believes this growth is the result of ongoing awareness and recruitment efforts. “We have continued our recruitment and awareness raising efforts into year 2, which we believe has contributed to the significant increase,” she said. “Expanding the service to encompass the outreach model has allowed us to provide more tangible choices for survivors and make support more accessible.”

Behind the numbers are powerful personal journeys, such as Ben’s. Ben, a 36-year-old man, joined the project after years of neglect and abuse. At first, he struggled with basic needs like hygiene and confidence. Through respite stays with his Shared Lives carer, Cath, he began to rebuild trust and independence. Now, he volunteers in a charity shop, enjoys outings, and is preparing to move into a safe, long-term Shared Lives placement.

Libby said, “Ben’s story shows what the model can achieve.” She added that one of the most powerful changes they witness is in people’s confidence. “Social workers often comment on how unrecognisable someone is from when support first started – for the positive. People start to envision their own future and identify goals or interests.”

The Cambridgeshire Shared Lives DASV project isn’t just transforming individual lives – it’s also influencing professional practice. It was a finalist in the 2025 LGC Awards for Health and Social Care, and local training has already helped to strengthen safeguarding approaches.

According to Libby, the project’s carers are at the heart of its success. “Our Shared Lives domestic sbuse carers are motivated individuals who show care and compassion for those they support,” she said. “They are avid listeners and understand the importance of validating and empowering those being supported. All carers receive tailored domestic abuse training and ongoing supervision.”

A new co-produced Practice Guide is also helping carers support healthy relationships and friendships – covering everything from online safety to consent.

The Cambridgeshire Shared Lives DASV project continues to expand, with new referral pathways and a strong commitment to survivor co-production. “We are committed to continuing our support for those accessing the service,” said Libby. “As the project evolves, we look forward to maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for survivors while exploring opportunities to strengthen and adapt our approach.”

Domestic Abuse Awareness Month is a reminder of why this work matters so deeply. The Cambridgeshire Shared Lives DASV project shows that with the right support, survivors with learning disabilities and autism can not only find safety but also thrive. As Libby reflected, “If scaled up nationally, this model could make a transformative difference in how support is delivered to adults with learning disabilities and/or autism who have experienced domestic abuse. It offers a unique blend of safety, stability, and personalised support that traditional services often struggle to provide.”

For more information, resources and guidance, visit the Cambridgeshire DASV partnership webpage on supporting survivors with learning disabilities and autism. It includes details of the Cambridgeshire Shared Lives Domestic Abuse Project, downloadable guidance for professionals, accessible Easy Read materials, and resources for Deaf survivors, parents with learning disabilities, and people with visual impairments.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse and would like help, contact the Freephone 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247, or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk.

Or read how Shared Lives can support survivors of domestic abuse.