Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service (SDASS) has appointed Kate Rowland as its interim Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant step in the charity’s mission to tackle domestic abuse in the local community. With a focus on prevention, education, and early intervention, Kate’s new role will see her drive the charity forward at a crucial time.
Kate, who joined SDASS in 2021 as Training and Business Development Manager, has already played an instrumental role in raising awareness and securing essential funding for the organisation. She has worked with local businesses to deliver training on domestic abuse, increasing awareness among employees and providing crucial support to the wider community. Her extensive experience in supporting families, particularly through educational settings, has equipped her with the skills needed to lead SDASS into a future where the goal is not just to respond to abuse, but to prevent it from happening altogether.
Reflecting on her new role, Kate said: “I’ve always loved working for SDASS and the range of support we provide, but it’s our preventative and educational work that really inspires me. This new opportunity allows us to expand on that work and push towards a future where domestic abuse rates in Swindon – and beyond – begin to fall. My aim is to continue our essential work to keep people safe and to build on our strong foundation.”
For over 50 years, SDASS has been providing vital services for survivors of domestic abuse. With Kate’s leadership, the charity will continue to build upon its long-standing commitment to raising awareness through education and early intervention programmes.
Chair of SDASS, Nicky Alberry, commented: “As we enter a new phase of development, Kate is the perfect choice to help us achieve our long-term vision of a society without abuse. She has already made a huge impact in her previous role, securing over £250,000 in grant funding and leading on the creation of our HOPE Award, which teaches young people in Swindon about healthy relationships. Her leadership will be vital as we refine our current programmes and explore new ways to end domestic abuse through education and support.”
Nicky added that Kate will be working closely with trustees to map out future projects that address the root causes of domestic abuse. The charity will continue its work with young people, the local community, and perpetrators, with the ultimate goal of making domestic abuse a thing of the past.
