Paragonteam

21/08/2026

Below is a letter we received from someone we have supported in our Paragon service. In this anonymous account, a survivor shares how they came to recognise the abuse they were experiencing, accessed support, rebuilt their confidence and found the strength to move forward with their life.

I didn't realise it was domestic abuse... These are words we often hear from the people we work with. Today, someone shares a story.

20/08/2026

17/08/2026

Over the weekend people across the country received an emergency alert regarding the extreme weather.⚠️

The UK's Emergency Alerts system can override silent mode and play a loud alarm, even when your phone is muted. The Government recognises that some people, including victims and survivors of domestic abuse who keep a concealed phone for safety, may choose to turn these alerts off.

To turn off Emergency Alerts:

📱 iPhone

Open Settings
Tap Notifications
Scroll to the bottom
Turn off Extreme Alerts and Severe Alerts

📱 Android

Open Settings
Search for Emergency Alerts
Turn off Extreme Alerts and Severe Alerts

Please only do this if it's necessary for your safety. Emergency Alerts are designed to warn people about life-threatening events such as severe weather, flooding and other major emergencies.

06/08/2026

Become a Dragonfly Champion 🦋

The Dragonfly Project, developed by PARAGON, supports people affected by domestic abuse by training local volunteers to become trusted points of contact in their communities.

With over 7,000 Champions trained since 2017 and 499 trained in 2025-26 alone.

Champions receive domestic abuse awareness training, ongoing support, and resources to help signpost those experiencing abuse to specialist services.

📍 Training is delivered online via Microsoft Teams. We're running out of spaces for our next two sessions, so be quick to register!

Find out how you can make a difference in your community and become a Dragonfly Champion today. 🦋💜 Please note that these are open to over 18s and that content may trigger some. Please contact us for more. Registration link in the comments:

04/08/2026

It's vital that we use education in schools to prevent antisocial attitudes from developing.

A group of teenagers make a film describing their experiences, ahead of changes to the curriculum.

24/07/2026

17/07/2026

The first Dragonfly Training session with HMP IOW, who are hoping to coordinate the programme being delivered across the wider prison staffing group.

A meeting earlier in the year prompted thoughtful discussion, and an awareness within senior managers, of the important benefits to having in house Champions linked with our local Paragon team for such a prominent employer in our island community.

17/07/2026

🚓🤝 This week, Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) Megan and PC Amy Higgs teamed up to respond to domestic abuse incidents, providing vital support to those affected.

Avon and Somerset Police in partnership with Somerset Domestic Abuse Service (delivered by The YOU Trust) and Somerset Council, are running an initiative called Operation Balearic. IDVAs accompany police when they are called out for domestic abuse. Victims often find it easier to speak to an independent party who is there only for support reasons. Thank you to Amy and Megan for helping vulnerable people!

14/07/2026

Supporting survivors when they need it most🤳

Claire, one of our Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs), joined Avon and Somerset Police over the weekend as they responded to calls across the area. It's part of Operation Balearic which is a collaborate initiative led by Avon and Somerset Police

Being there means Claire can make contact with people reporting domestic abuse and offer independent support from the very start. We know that some people may feel uncertain about speaking to the police, and having an independent advisor alongside officers can make a huge difference. It helps ensure victim-survivors receive the support they need while those causing harm are held accountable for their actions.

⚽ Tomorrow's game is a big one, and while many of us will be cheering on our team, sadly we often see an increase in domestic abuse during major sporting events.

Whatever the result, please make sure you're proud of our boys, and proud of yourself too. Celebrate responsibly, look out for those around you, and remember: there is never an excuse for abuse.