In conversation with Next Link: Helping 8,090 domestic abuse survivors over the last year

By Ellie Barnes, Deputy Features Editor

Trigger warning: Discussions of sexual violence and abuse

Domestic abuse is a serious and prevalent issue within today's society. Based on local police data, 7,048 domestic abuse crimes (with victims over the age of 16) were recorded in Bristol in 2024/25. Domestic abuse can take many forms: physical, psychological, and sexual. These often become repeated patterns of coercive, violent, and controlling behaviours. A charity that supports the victims of these horrific experiences is 'Next Link'. Epigram got in contact with Amy Murray-Smith and her team to talk about how they are helping survivors within our community.

'The support has been life-changing. I feel empowered and free, and my children are happy and safe now. We are flourishing and look forward to a safe and positive future.'

So, what does Next Link do? They provide specialist domestic abuse services through community support, facilitating group work, peer support and training, safe houses, and accommodation. This includes dedicated spaces for children, single women, those with complex needs, LGBTQ+ victims, male victims, those with disabilities, and families from black and marginalised communities. Over the last year, Next Link has supported 8,090 adult survivors and 1,678 children. Each survivor has their own dedicated support worker who helps aid them in living a life free from violence and abuse- providing practical and emotional support. In the case of service user FP, they found 'with their help I found the strength to move forward because [Next Link] stood by me. The support has been life-changing. I feel empowered and free, and my children are happy and safe now. We are flourishing and look forward to a safe and positive future.'

Another arm of the charity is Safe Link, which specialises in providing support to survivors of rape and sexual assault. If the survivor wishes, they help support the victim in reporting the incident and helping them through the criminal justice system. Their independent sexual violence advisors offer confidential advice, emotional support, a safe place to talk, support attending sexual health services, help with medical attention, and referrals to specialist counselling. In the last year, they've helped 1,540 adults and 390 children.

'It can be extremely difficult to notice non-physical forms of abuse, yet it doesn't make them any less impactful. These red flags can spiral into a more coercive control.'

To dismantle stigma around domestic violence, what are the common misconceptions about domestic violence among students? They said 'A common myth is that domestic abuse is just physical; however, this isn't the case. Common types of abuse also include controlling or coercive behaviour, emotional abuse, financial abuse, threatening behaviour, harassment, stalking, and online/digital abuse.' For many students experiencing their first time away from home, this is important to acknowledge. It can be difficult to notice non-physical forms of abuse, yet it doesn't make them any less impactful. These red flags can spiral into a more coercive control. Having charities like Next Link on our doorstep is so vital for those who feel trapped; it gives them someone to speak to who will believe them and lend them an understanding ear.

October was jam-packed for Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, so I was curious to see what would follow in November. 'This time of year brings our focus to the UN's Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls– from the 25^th of November to the 10^th of December, we mark the 16 days of Activism 2025'. This year, the UN's theme is based on digital violence, the weak regulation and lack of accountability from technology platforms make it difficult to end. The abuse online isn't limited to a screen; it can be utilised as a tool to harass victims in physical scenarios like stalking. The 'UniTe 2025' campaign calls for: governments to enforce the criminalisation of digital violence in line with the growing cases of abuse; tech companies to enforce codes of conduct that protect individuals; donors to invest in organisations that are working to end violence against women and enforce digital rights; and individuals to challenge harmful online norms.

Safe Link signs around the university campus l Epigram/ Ellie Barnes

Next Link is taking part in these sixteen days and will be holding a vigil in Bristol on Thursday the 27^th of November, to honour those affected by domestic or sexual abuse and violence. Remembering those who are no longer with us or have been severely impacted by the acts of these violent crimes. It will start at Embassy House on Queen's Avenue from 4 pm - 5:30 pm. 'We'll gather at our Next Link office (Embassy House) for survivor stories, artwork, and refreshments, followed by a candlelit march down Park Street to College Green, where we'll hold a minute's silence to pay respects to those affected by domestic and sexual abuse and violence. Two larger candles will be lit by survivors to symbolise the two women who die each week in the UK from gender-based violence.'

For students who are looking to make a meaningful difference in our local community and actively try to help end domestic violence then you can support Next Link through volunteer work and fundraising. 'We rely on volunteers to help support our services. We know there'll be so many students with invaluable skills that can help us. As well as service support, we also need help in admin-type roles, including fundraising, HR, finance, communications, social media, and events planning. We're always open to new fundraising ideas and would love to hear from anyone with creative and fun ideas. We're currently looking for runners to raise money for us by running the Bristol and Bath 10k and half marathons, so please get in touch if you’d like to get involved!' Volunteer work is so important when it comes to charities like Next Link. If you feel inspired to help out, here is how to get involved! To contact Next Link about opportunities you can:

Email their volunteer co-ordinator Emily at volunteer.coordinator@missinglinkhousing.co.uk
Call 0117 925 1811
Visit the Bristol SU Volunteering Hub where they'll list specific opportunities.

Thank you to Next Link for taking the time out of their extremely busy schedule to talk with me. I will be at the vigil and would encourage other students to join and be a part of the solution to ending violence against women and girls. This takes community and dedication, but I am proud to be in a city that prioritises taking active steps to make the world a better, safer place. If you are worried about someone: ask if they're okay, tell them you believe them, and let them know that help is out there.

If you are a victim of domestic or sexual abuse and violence you can contact:

In cases of Emergency always call 999
The 24/7 National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
You can call Next Link: 0800 4700 280
Text Next Link (only if it is safe for you to receive a reply): 0740 789 5620
Or email Next Link (only if it safe for you to receive a reply): enquiries@nextlinkhousing.co.uk

Domestic violence and abuse support organisations | Centre for Academic Primary Care | University of Bristol

Domestic abuse group programme for men