An innovative service in which specially trained independent domestic violence advocates join Thames Valley Police police officers in patrol cars to attend reports of domestic abuse has launched in Buckinghamshire.

The Domestic Violence Advocate (DVA) Car Service is delivered by domestic abuse and stalking support charity, Aurora New Dawn. The aim is to offer independent advice and support to victims of domestic abuse at the time that they have reached out for help.

The service, which has already supported over 3000 victim-survivors in Hampshire, will be running in Buckinghamshire on selected evenings.

Funding for the project has been provided through the Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley’s Community Safety Partnership Fund with co-funding from Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Service South Buckinghamshire.

Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, said: “I am delighted to be supporting the running of the DVA car service in Buckinghamshire.

“Most victims who report domestic abuse do so in a moment of courage or crisis. Having an independent advocate present in that critical window of opportunity can significantly increase victim engagement, improve opportunities for safeguarding and help to bring more offenders to justice.”

According to Aurora New Dawn research, 100% of the victims whose reports Aurora attended spoke to Aurora Staff and agreed to take information about support services available to them. One month on, 50% were still engaged with services and receiving support.

Lyn Tiller, Operations Director of Aurora New Dawn, said: “Aurora are delighted to bring the DVA Car Service to Buckinghamshire with the support of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Buckinghamshire Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Service.

“Victim/survivors often need support at the very moment they reach out for help, and having an independent advocate alongside officers allows us to provide immediate information, reassurance and practical assistance.

“Our experience in Hampshire has shown that early intervention can make a significant difference in helping people access ongoing support and improve their safety.”

Donna Millar, Chief Executive Officer of Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Service South Buckinghamshire (RSASS), said: “We are proud to be co-funding and supporting the Domestic Violence Advocate Car Service in Buckinghamshire. Too often, the moment someone reaches out for help is also the moment they are most vulnerable. By placing specialist advocates alongside police officers, we can ensure victims receive immediate, trauma-informed support, information, and reassurance when they need it most. This innovative partnership strengthens safeguarding, improves access to specialist services, and helps create safer outcomes for victim-survivors across our communities.”

Aurora New Dawn also work with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley providing the Thames Valley Stalking Service. For more information on the work of Aurora New Dawn, visit Aurora New Dawn – Aurora New Dawn

Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Service South Buckinghamshire provide cost-free and confidential support and information to survivors of rape, sexual assault, domestic abuse, and sexual abuse, aged 16 and older in South Buckinghamshire and Slough. For more information on the work of Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Service South Buckinghamshire, visit Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Service South Buckinghamshire | RSASS | High Wycombe, UK.