State of the Field: Tracking Impact and Exploring Sector Patterns

Our work happens within a broader context, where systems, cycles, trends, and shocks impact the work we do and the success of our efforts. With our first State of the Field report, we take a closer look at the factors that influenced our sector and our work in 2023, including impact numbers, powerful stories and meaningful insights. This includes looking at:

  • Systems: Systems and structures embedded formally within governments or informally within grassroots operations all work to influence domestic abuse. Systems-level changes in the past year proved capable of both expanding and restricting the breadth and impact of our work.
  • Shocks: What happens when our established structures and patterns face unexpected challenges? We reflect, then adapt! These shocks, whether experienced universally or locally, can be transient and resolved swiftly, or so significant that they transform our systems entirely.
  • Trends: Just as in media and fashion, the “ins” and “outs” of the civil societies sector ebb and flow throughout the seasons. Beyond staying in tune with sector changes, monitoring trends enables us to adjust our approaches for greater impact within the communities we work with.
  •  Cycles: Distinct from the novelty of trends and shocks, cycles reveal to us the ever-present patterns in our efforts. Analyzing these cycles enables us to devise fresh approaches to pave new paths and make transformational shifts.

While this report is largely rooted in our experiences as a sector, it also zooms in on “Impact Spotlights”, which explore specific events that are shaping the outcomes and impact of Sagesse programming.

Impact Spotlight Highlights

Centering the Experience of Faith Communities as Informal Supporters – In 2023, Sagesse engaged with faith-based communities to promote open, informed dialogue about abuse. After initial hesitation, a rural church collaborated with our REAL Talk team, whose centring of their experiences and expertise yielded a workshop experience that was truly transformative for church leadership and volunteers.

Interrupting Patterns of Abuse Through Peer Support – For “Janell”, a domestic abuse survivor in a shelter, what began as a Children’s Services ordered mandate to attend a peer support group turned into a sincere desire to stay involved. With the support of Sagesse’s diverse resources and empathetic clinical team, Janelle embarked on her healing journey with newfound strength and confidence.

The Importance of the Social Service Response to Clare’s Law – After beginning a relationship with a man that subjected her to years of abuse, our client was empowered to fill out a Clare’s Law application. Upon being connected to support services, she left her abusive relationship and is now developing the skills and understanding to healthily navigate future relationships. Her story demonstrates the significance of the social service response to Clare’s Law, and the need to continue expanding the network.

Dive into impact numbers, powerful stories, and meaningful insights in our first State of the Field report.