HER MAJESTY The Queen visited Gloucestershire this week to meet staff and volunteers providing frontline support to victims and survivors of domestic abuse across the county.

The visit, held on Wednesday, January 21, was hosted by Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS), which is commissioned by Gloucestershire County Council and delivered by GreenSquareAccord (GSA).

During the visit, Her Majesty met privately with a domestic abuse survivor who now works for GDASS after receiving support from the service.

She then spoke with staff and volunteers, who outlined how individuals are supported through GDASS, from first contact through to ongoing practical and emotional help.

GSA has been delivering domestic abuse support services in Gloucestershire since 2012 and works with people from communities across the county, including the Forest of Dean.

Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member for Public Health, Communities and Fire, said: “Her Majesty’s visit is a powerful recognition of the professionalism and compassion shown every day by the GDASS team to tackle domestic abuse.

We will continue to invest in services and support to tackle domestic abuse, and deliver safer outcomes for victims and survivors and their families.

“This is a partnership effort across the county to prevent harm, reduce risk, and support recovery.”

Between July 2024 and July 2025, GDASS received 9,400 referrals for support, responded to 1,000 calls to its professional helpline, and delivered training or engagement sessions to 3,622 people across Gloucestershire.

Sophie Jarrett, Domestic Abuse Lead at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “It was an honour to meet Her Majesty and to share the vital work taking place here in Gloucestershire to support people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.

“Her Majesty’s visit helps to shine an important light on the work of GDASS and on the courage of those who come forward for help.”