The following Forum and Working Group meetings have been arranged for 2008, but check this page for any changes later in the year.

Wednesday 27 February 2.00 - Health DAWG Forum, 100 London Rd
Thursday 28 February 9.30 - Children & Young People DAWG Forum, 100 London Rd
Monday 3 March 9.30-1.00 - Strategic Planning Group Sovereign House
Tuesday 4th March 9.30 - SDVC Steering Group Magistrate's Court
Thursday 13th March 9.30-1.00 - MARAC Briefing Event for ManagersQuaker Meetign House
Tuesday 18 March 9.30 - Domestic & Sexual Abuse Projects Forum, 100 London Road
Friday 11th April 9.30 - Management Committee Forum, 100 London Road
Tuesday 29 April 9.30 - Strategic Planning Group: M-A Strategy Review/Devt. Event
CANCELLED: Thursday 1 May 9.30 - Full Forum Forum, 100 London Road
Tuesday 6 May 9.30 - Domestic & Sexual Abuse Projects Forum, 100 London Road
Tuesday 13 May 9.30 - SDVC Steering Group Magistrate's Court
Thursday 22 May 9.30 - Management Committee Forum, 100 London Road
Wednesday 11 June 2.15 - Civil & Criminal Justive DAWG (S.Y.) Combined Court
Tuesday 8 July 9.30 - Domestic & Sexual Abuse Projects Forum, 100 London Road
Thursday 10 July 9.30 - Management Committee Forum, 100 London Road
Monday 21 July 2.30 - Multi-agency Strategy Steering Group Forum, 100 London Road
Tuesday 19 August 10.00 - Strategic Planning Group Sovereign House
Tuesday 23 September 9.30 - Domestic & Sexual Abuse Projects Forum, 100 London Road
Thursday 25 September 9.30 - Children & Young People DAWG Forum, 100 London Rd
Wednesday 1 October 2.00 - Health DAWG Forum, 100 London Rd
Thursday 2 October 9.30 - Management Committee Forum, 100 London Road
Wednesday 8 October 2.15 - Civil & Criminal Justive DAWG (S.Y.) Combined Court
Thursday 9 October 9.30 - Full Forum Forum, 100 London Road
Tuesday 14 October 9.30 - Strategic Planning Group Sovereign House
Tuesday 11 November 9.30 - Domestic & Sexual Abuse Projects Forum, 100 London Road
Friday 12 December- SDAF Annual General Meeting

The Sanctuary Scheme assists people who are affected by domestic abuse and violence to continue living in their own homes if they want to, rather than having to move house.

They improve home security and provide additional support for domestic abuse victims.

The Scheme is available free of charge to all people at risk of becoming homeless due to domestic abuse. This includes Council tenants, Housing Association tenants, private tenants and homeowners alike.

The Scheme improves home security through a variety of measures, such as:
New window and door locks
Anti arson letter boxes
Window grilles
Sanctuary Room (more details in the leaflet available to download at the bottom of this page)
A range of other potential security measures

The above measures are considered on a case by case basis, depending on the type of property.

For further details on the Sanctuary Scheme, please contact Julie Scurr on 0114 205 3114, or email julie.scurr@sheffield.gov.uk. Further information is available on the

Have you experienced domestic abuse?

Would you like to meet other women who have similar experiences in a confidential, safe, friendly environment?

The group is held more or less every two weeks, 11am to 1pm..

A crèche, refreshments and activities are provided free of charge and travel expenses will be reimbursed. Experienced support workers will be available if you want to talk.

If you need further information or want to book a place then please contact DAFSS on 0114 296 0222

As more women use the internet to find out about domestic abuse, Women's Aid has now developed an online Survivor's Handbook. It brings together comprehensive help information in one place, is designed to increase women's and children's safety and sends out a clear message that they are not alone or to blame.

The handbook comprises short sections covering every aspect of seeking help and support. It covers understanding domestic violence and how to make yourself and your children safe, and guides you through the legal protection framework and explains the role of the legal profession and police. The Survivor's Handbook also provides very practical information about your housing options and the range of refuge and other domestic violence services available to you. It's packed with information about how to look after your physical and mental health and helps you build self-esteem and confidence. There is information about specialist services for women and children living with domestic violence, and lots of help and information about the impact of domestic violence on children. The handbook is full of useful contact details and signposts you to other supporting and helpful organisations.

The Survivor's handbook is available in 10 community languages and can be easily printed from the Women's Aid website.

For more local information on domestic abuse services, SDAF has a Contact List for Advice and Support and a Directory of Sheffield Services on our Resources page.

The specialist domestic abuse services in Sheffield have set up the fund to help provide short term financial support and safe accommodation to some of their most destitute service users.
Under current immigration rules, a woman who comes to the UK on a spouse Visa, but has to leave him because of domestic abuse, is subject to the 2 Year Rule. However now they can apply under a Domestic Violence Concession for indefinite leave to remain in this country in her own right. This application can take up to a year during which time they have 'no recourse to public funds' such as benefits and public housing. The No Recourse Fund is a very practical way to support these women to make safe choices for themselves and their children. For further information about the fund and how to make donations please see the leaflet available to download on our Resources page.