Standing alongside survivors of domestic abuse

For the past four years, Respond has had the privilege of standing alongside survivors of domestic abuse, providing specialist, tailored support to people with learning disabilities and autistic people. This vital work has been possible thanks to the generous funding and commitment of the Ministry of Justice and London Community Foundation. We are grateful for their support, which has enabled us to build a service shaped by survivors’ voices and experiences.

Throughout this period, we have learned so much from the individuals we have supported. Survivors have shown immense strength, and their insights have helped us better understand what meaningful, accessible, and effective support looks like.

As this funding comes to an end, we regretfully share that our domestic abuse service is currently unfunded. As a result, we are unable to accept new referrals at this time.

We know this will be concerning. People with learning disabilities and autistic people who experience domestic abuse already face significant barriers to accessing safe and appropriate support. Without specialist provision, there is an increased risk that survivors’ needs go unmet, and that they remain in unsafe situations or without the support needed to recover.

Survivors deserve to have access to services that understand their unique needs and empower them to move forward safely. We remain fully committed to these principles and to the people at the heart of our work.

Seeking new funding opportunities

Respond is actively seeking new funding opportunities and partnerships to sustain this critical service for people with learning disabilities and autistic people. We welcome conversations with funders, organisations, and partners who share our commitment to supporting survivors and addressing this urgent gap in provision.

If you are interested in working with us, please get in touch.