Beyond the Bubble in 2026: How Bloom members can support survivors of domestic abuse
For International Women’s Day we spoke to our longtime partner Women’s Aid on what we can do to support survivors of domestic abuse.
At Bloom, we know that real change happens when we look beyond our own experiences and take collective action. This International Women’s Day, Women’s Aid is encouraging Bloom members to go beyond their bubble to support survivors of domestic abuse.
What does “going beyond the bubble” mean when it comes to domestic abuse?
At Women’s Aid we define domestic abuse as an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence, in the majority of cases by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer. It is very common. In the vast majority of cases it is experienced by women and is perpetrated by men.
“Beyond the bubble” to us means challenging the idea that abuse is someone else’s problem. We know that 1 in 3 women in the UK will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. It affects every community and every workplace. Going beyond the bubble is about educating yourself, starting conversations, and taking meaningful action. This could be through learning how to support someone experiencing domestic abuse, finding out about your workplace policy, or supporting survivors through our campaigning work (to stay up to date with the latest opportunities and news, please feel free to opt in here.)
How can Bloom members support survivors in their everyday lives?
One of the most important things you can do is learn how to recognise the signs of abuse and respond safely. Survivors are far more likely to disclose abuse to someone they know and trust (such as a friend or colleague) than to a professional and we know that it can take a survivor up to seven times before they escape an abusive relationship.
Women’s Aid has created clear, accessible guidance for friends and family on how to support someone experiencing domestic abuse. Our Friends and Family Handbook includes
what to say, what not to say, and how to help someone find specialist support. You can find this resource here: https://womensaid.org.uk/information-support/friends-and-family/
Sometimes, simply listening without judgement and believing someone can make a life-changing difference.
What role do workplaces play in supporting survivors?
Workplaces are a crucial and often overlooked source of support for survivors. Financial independence and understanding what support is in place by your employer are key factors in whether someone is able to seek help or leave an abuser.
This International Women’s Day, we encourage Bloom members to find out whether their organisation has a domestic abuse policy. If one exists within your workplace, we would love to hear how it is structured and whether Women’s Aid can strengthen it to further support women. A strong domestic abuse policy can include paid leave, safety planning, confidentiality measures, and clear pathways to support.
If your organisation does not have one this is also something we can support you in advocating for. We would love to hear from you if you need support in starting the conversation internally. This is a powerful step beyond the bubble to help us combat violence against women and girls.
How can organisations take next steps or work with Women’s Aid?
If your organisation is interested in improving its response to domestic abuse, raising awareness, or exploring partnership opportunities, we would love to hear from you. Collaboration with businesses and networks like Bloom helps us extend our reach and create safer workplaces for survivors.
For any questions, please get in touch with us at: partnerships@womensaid.org.uk
Are there simple ways individuals can support Women’s Aid through work?
Definitely! Payroll giving is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support Women’s Aid. By donating directly from your salary before tax, even a small monthly gift can go further at no extra cost to you. Bloom members can nominate Women’s Aid if their organisation already offers payroll giving, or ask whether it could be introduced.
Also, many organisations offer match funding, where employee fundraising or donations are matched therefore doubling the impact. We would encourage you to explore whether match funding already exists in your workplace and how it could be used to support
Women’s Aid. Whether this is through fundraising activities, awareness campaigns, or volunteer day initiatives, raising it as an idea can be another meaningful step beyond the bubble.
Why are partnerships Bloom & Women’s Aid so important especially on International Women’s Day?
International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate progress but also to be honest about how far we still have to go. Domestic abuse remains one of the most significant barriers to women’s safety and despite Women’s Aid being around for over 50 years, we still have a long way to go to protect the next generation.
Partnerships with networks like Bloom are vital because they bring people together across industries and experiences. By going beyond individual bubbles and working collectively, we can challenge stigma and shift culture to move closer to a future where all women and children are safe from domestic abuse.
Go beyond the bubble this International Women’s Day
We would love Bloom members to take forward one of the following as a ‘beyond the bubble’ action:
Read our Family and Friends Handbook to learn more about domestic abuse and how to support survivors
Find out whether your workplace has a domestic abuse policy – if not, why not?
Explore payroll giving or match funding opportunities
Start conversations that help create safer, more inclusive workplaces
If you’d like guidance on how to engage your organisations or support with more information about Women’s Aid and our services, please contact Women’s Aid at: partnerships@womensaid.org.uk
We would like to send a happy International Women’s Day message to all members at Bloom. We are so grateful to enter another year of partnership together and look forward to events in 2026!
