Oasis Domestic Abuse Service is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment for children, young people, and adults who access our services, work with us, or partner with us. We actively challenge racism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and all forms of discrimination, ensuring our services are accessible and free from bias. We believe that anti-racism and inclusion are fundamental to our mission of supporting survivors of domestic abuse.
Our Key Commitments
Zero Tolerance for Discrimination
We uphold a strict zero-tolerance policy against discrimination in all forms. This applies to colleagues, volunteers, clients, and external partners. Any reports will be investigated and addressed in line with our policies, with clear accountability measures such as disciplinary actions and mandatory training.
Inclusive and Equitable Services
We recognise that domestic abuse disproportionately impacts Black and racially minoritised communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, disabled people, and those facing multiple barriers. To ensure inclusive support, we will:
- Deliver tailored outreach to underrepresented communities.
- Employ diverse specialist advocates to reflect the needs of those we support.
- Ensure all policies and services are trauma-informed, accessible, and culturally responsive.
- Remove barriers to access, including adjustments for disabled survivors and those with additional needs.
Legal and Safeguarding Responsibilities
We fully comply with UK anti-discrimination and safeguarding laws, including:
- Equality Act 2010
- Human Rights Act 1998
- Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000
- Children Act 1989 & 2004
- Care Act 2014 Our safeguarding practices align with:
- Kent and Medway Safeguarding Adults Board
- Kent Safeguarding Children Multi-Agency Partnership. We ensure compliance through regular training, audits, and reviews to protect all survivors, including children, young people, and disabled individuals.
Workforce Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive workplace where all staff feel valued. We will:
- Embed anti-racism, LGBTQIA+, and disability inclusion training into staff induction and development.
- Ensure fair recruitment and progression opportunities to promote diversity at all levels.
- Provide safe spaces for staff to discuss concerns and contribute to change, such as regular forums and feedback sessions.
SafeLives Leading Lights Standards
As part of our SafeLives Leading Lights reaccreditation, we integrate anti-racist, LGBTQIA+, and disability-inclusive principles into:
- Governance
- Risk assessments
- Service quality reviews
Challenging Inequality and Advocacy
We work to address structural inequalities affecting marginalised survivors. Our collaborative working with specialist agencies includes:
- Specialist organisations: Imkaan, Southall Black Sisters, Karma Nirvana, Stay Safe East (disability-inclusive domestic abuse support).
- Local community groups and advocacy networks.
- Local and national bodies to influence policy and drive systemic change.
Accountability and Continuous Improvement
We commit to:
- Regular policy reviews and independent audits to ensure best practice.
- Publishing an annual report on our progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Collecting and analysing demographic data to improve service accessibility.
- Ensuring clear and safe reporting mechanisms, with transparent resolution processes.
- Communicating our progress to stakeholders through regular updates and community engagement.
Taking Action
Discrimination has no place in our service or society. Oasis Domestic Abuse Service is dedicated to leading by example in anti-racist, anti-discriminatory practice, working towards justice, equity, and safety for all. We continuously strive for improvement and actively engage with our community to ensure our services meet their needs.