-
0
Domestic Abuse crimes
reported in Wiltshire during the last 12 months
-
< 0 %
Domestic Abuse incidents
are reported
-
c. 0
Estimated Domestic Abuse incidents
each year in Wiltshire alone
Our courts and legal system are not ‘trauma-informed’, so victims often must face their attackers all over again, standing just a few feet away from them before hearings and child access proceedings. They are already traumatised by events that caused them to leave but, because charges are so hard to prove, events must be re-lived to give evidence. The threats and intimidation don’t end when a couple separates. Many perpetrators deliberately use the court system to keep controlling and harassing their victims.Laura Jones, Independent Domestic Violence Advisor at FearFree
Soroptimists’ response
Recognising that women leaving domestic abuse often have little information about what would happen next, Poole, Purbeck and District Soroptimists developed a booklet called Fresh Thoughts.
Designed for clubs across England to adapt for their local areas, the booklet provides practical guidance on court proceedings, online safety, financial assistance, housing and local support services. Its purpose is to educate, empower and enable survivors to regain control of their lives.
In 2025, Salisbury Soroptimists invited Swindon and District Soroptimists to work together on a Wiltshire-wide version. The project received funding from private donors and the High Sheriff’s Fund, and the first launch took place in November 2025. The booklet has also received recognition from Wiltshire Police and was commended in Parliament.
Queen Camilla recently attended an Society Without Abuse (SWA) event and had commented “Domestic Abuse is the scourge of our Society!” HRH met the Fresh Thoughts UK team on a recent visit to Bournemouth and given a copy of the booklet again commended it.
Local club action
Swindon Soroptimists partnered with Salisbury Soroptimists to adapt the booklet for Wiltshire, bringing together information relevant to survivors in the local area.
Members have continued to:
- Work with domestic abuse agencies and other Soroptimist clubs to develop and improve the booklet.
- Contact local solicitors, particularly those involved in domestic abuse cases and Legal Aid, to strengthen the information available.
- Build relationships with local charities, support services, police representatives and other organisations working to prevent violence against women and girls.
- Help raise awareness of the booklet and the challenges faced by survivors.
- A launch event for Swindon is planned for 25 November 2026, the UN Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, bringing together representatives from the legal system, police, charities and domestic abuse services.
Swindon launch
A Swindon launch is being held on November 25th 2026, UN Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women, 6pm-7:30pm at the Village Hotel, Swindon. Magistrate Hatty Stafford-Charles, Wilts Polices’ Chief Constable Catherine Roper and Nicky Alberry, Chair of SWA and Rotary's National Lead on Domestic Abuse are among the speakers; attendees include Lady Lansdowne, local solicitors and Domestic Abuse agencies / charities. The event will be publicised and covered by Shirley from Swindon 105.5FM radio.
Impact
The Wiltshire version of Fresh Thoughts gives survivors practical information to help them prepare for court, understand their options and find appropriate support.
Wiltshire Police has praised the booklet and plans to use it for staff training and to distribute to victims of domestic abuse. The project has also helped bring together organisations across Wiltshire and raise awareness of the barriers survivors face when seeking protection through the legal system.
The wider aim is simple but powerful: to help survivors feel better informed, less alone and more able to take their next steps towards safety.