Our Impact
Our contributions to research and service improvement have been recognised by a number of awards and publications.
We are delighted to say that our contributions to research and service improvement have been recognised by awards, through invitations to talk and publications.
Our Major Milestones & Achievements
2012–2014 – First Steps: Survivor Voice in Training & Policy
- Training delivered to police first responders & probation officers (Bristol & Bath).
- Talks to health professionals and community organisations.
- SEEDS Bath survey on barriers to disclosure.
- Panel feedback into HMIC review of Avon & Somerset DA response (2014).
- Poem “Should I Call You” adopted in National College of Policing training.
2013–2018 – Foundations & Recognition
- Volunteer of the Year Award (2018): VOICES co-founder Margi Isaac honoured at Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Community Awards.
- Built strong partnerships with local organisations, embedding survivor voice in service design and policy.
2016–2019 – National Influence & Visibility
- Participation in SafeLives Family, Friends & Survivors group.
- VOICES members met Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (2016), sparking her long-term patronage of domestic abuse charities.
- Survivor input to the IRIS Steering Group (BANES).
- Contributed to SafeLives Authentic Voice initiative.
2019–2020 – Growing National Influence
- Charity of the Year – Bath Building Society (2019/20).
- Keynote at national healthcare conference (Dec 2020): Domestic Violence & Abuse during COVID-19.
- BMJ article (2021) on Domestic Abuse and the COVID-19 pandemic, co-authored with national partners.
2019–2022 – Research, Policy & Justice Reform
- Shaped SafeLives Public Health approach to DA.
- Research partnership with UCL/GOSH: Core Outcome Set for child/family interventions (Home Office funded, published 2022).
- Co-authored “More Harm Than Good” guide for commissioners & policymakers (2023).
- Ministry of Justice Lived Experience consultation (2020): evidence presented to Minister Chalk.
- Presentation at Westminster Legal Policy Forum (2020) on family justice and DA.
- Participation in Cafcass Learning & Improvement Board (2020–2023), including external case audits.
2020–2022 – Expansion & Survivor-Centred Space
- Opened The Villa Recovery Centre (2022): safe, trauma-informed, inclusive support space.
- Officially opened by Queen Camilla (2022), recognising VOICES’ survivor-led model.
- Accessibility improvements to ensure inclusivity, supported by local funding partners.
2022–2023 – Impact & Growth
- Post-COVID referrals increased by 400%, highlighting survivor need.
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- Outcomes:
- 85% greater ability to recognise abuse.
- 91% better understanding of impact on children.
- 81% improved wellbeing.
- Outcomes:
- University of Bath SU Raise & Give raised £12,500.
2023–2024 – Leadership & Recognition
- Finalist – Bath Life Awards 2024 (Charity Category).
- Ongoing recognition through Bath Building Society Charity Awards.
- Contributed to Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s Festival of Practice (2023).
- Collaborative presentation at Local Family Justice Board annual conference (2023) with UWE Law Clinic.
- Launch of Legal Education Foundation-funded training for family lawyers (2023).
2024–2025 – Advocacy & Future Development
- Awards for All funding created a Therapeutic Lead role, expanding counselling provision.
- University of Bath SU Raise & Give (2025) raised another £12,500.
- Beneficiary of Bath Building Society Charity Awards and Bath Christmas Market fund (2024).
- Parliamentary Advocacy (June 2025): Bath MP Wera Hobhouse highlighted VOICES as a model for long-term recovery support in domestic abuse services.
- Chairing of LFJB Domestic Abuse Advisory Group (South West) by VOICES’ Service and Law Lead, Cathryn Blyth.
2025 and Beyond
- Guide to mental health (LFJB DA Advisory Group) – expected end of 2025.
- MoJ webinar with IDAS (Oct 2025).
From its beginnings as a grassroots survivor-led project, VOICES has become a trusted and recognised charity shaping practice, policy, and research nationally. Highlights include:
- Opening The Villa recovery centre (2022) with Queen Camilla.
- Embedding survivor voice in police, health, justice, and research sectors.
- Recognition through awards, funding partnerships, and parliamentary advocacy.
- Delivering life-changing outcomes for survivors and families.
💜 The greatest achievement of all has been ensuring that survivors’ voices are not only heard, but central to shaping the systems that support recovery and prevent future harm.
