Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board Discovery and Design Project
The Task
TONIC was commissioned by Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board (SETDAB) to undertake research that would provide a deeper understanding of the experiences of those who have been affected by domestic abuse. The purpose of this project was to identify what works well and what needs improving within the current support pathways and processes for both victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse. The findings of this project would be used to help shape the design of the domestic abuse support system across Southend, Essex and Thurrock.
TONIC’s Approach
The project was divided into two phases: a discovery phase and co-design phase. In the discovery phase we conducted a needs assessment to build a picture of the current landscape. We then used these insights to co-design solutions with commissioners, stakeholders, and people with lived experience.
During the needs assessment, TONIC engaged over 300 people using a combination of online surveys, interviews, and focus groups. This sample included children and young people, women in refuge, rough sleepers, and perpetrators.
In the second phase of the project, 35 participants engaged in co-design workshops including 26 professional stakeholders and 6 people with lived experience.
The Outcome
Using the findings from both phases, TONIC produced a comprehensive report detailing the findings and recommendations for this project. TONIC identified 8 key insights under which each of the recommendations has been classified:
Core Services
Strengthening pathways to support
Embedding lived experience
Awareness and education
Workforce development and training
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Increasing behaviour change opportunities for perpetrators
Further quantitative analysis