Hospital-Based Domestic Abuse Advocacy Services for Young People in London

The Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) is seeking experienced service providers to deliver Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) services embedded within London's four Major Trauma Centres (King's College Hospital, Royal London Hospital, St George's Hospital, and St Mary's Hospital). These advocates will support young people aged 11-25 who present at these hospitals as victims of domestic abuse, gender-based harm, child sexual abuse, rape, or sexual exploitation. The role involves providing practical support, advocacy, safeguarding coordination, and crisis intervention to help young people recover from trauma and break cycles of violence. Services operate alongside the VRU's hospital-based youth work programme and wider violence reduction strategies, with particular emphasis on building trusted relationships and identifying reachable moments for intervention. The successful provider will demonstrate strong understanding of local communities and systems, proactive identification and engagement capabilities, and experience working within health settings. The contract runs for 50 months (2-month mobilisation plus 24 months initial service plus 24-month extension) with a maximum budget of £1,045,957.05 excluding VAT (approximately £64,565.25 per hospital annually). A market warming session is scheduled for Tuesday 8th September, 10:00-11:00 via MS Teams. Organisations with relevant experience in domestic abuse advocacy, mentoring, violence reduction, safeguarding, or exploitation support services are encouraged to engage.