Back in Control Consultancy was founded in November 2015.

Domestic Abuse and Faith wasn't recognised within the DV sector at that time. The founding director recognised the gap in the sector being a Christian, then she decided that she wanted to do something about it.

Veronica Simpson the founding director has lived experience of domestic abuse and understands the impact this has on children. 

BiCC started "The No Hidden Harm - No Taboo Subjects" within Faith Communities Campaign in 2017. The support received by other organisations was overwhelming and a positive start. We welcomed partners, Faith Forums for London, Faith in Society and My Church Events who helped us pioneer and support the cause.

We are proud knowing that we were the trailblazers and catalyst for positive change both in the sector and our faith communities, enhancing domestic and sexual abuse awareness and providing specialised support. 

Our message is clear "HER STORY IS OUR STORY"

There's No Excuse to Domestic Abuse - Faith Communities ARE NOT EXEMPT!

We will continue our campaign until all Faith Leaders are trained in domestic abuse and the response is more than just satisfactory.

Veronica Simpson is the CEO and Founder of Back in Control Consultancy C.I.C was acknowledged as a Women Appreciating Woman Award Winner and 100 Inspirational Women Nominee between 2019/2020. Veronica Simpson is one of London’s leading specialists in Safeguarding and Domestic Violence training. Veronica has over a decade of experience, working with faith communities, local authorities, and voluntary organisations to build their confidence.

She studied at Birkbeck University in Psychodynamic and Psychotherapy. She is a qualified Nuco Safeguarding Trainer & Educator and holds IRIS (Identification and Referral to Improve Safety) and IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advocate Educator) Qualifications (Accredited by SAFELIVES)

She has worked in IDVA roles for several of the main DASV agencies including Solace, Refuge and South London African Women’s Organisation, and at St Helier’s Hospital as a Health IDVA, including the only BAME IDVA covering Merton and Sutton for 3years.

She is also a qualified Safeguarding Instructor Trainer and Educator, and has provided Awareness Training in these subjects for professionals in a variety of roles, including clinicians across many London Boroughs. Having worked in the field for over 10 years, Veronica became aware of referral data statistics highlighting the huge incidence of domestic violence and abuse in Christian groups, where the issue can often be covered up, accepted as ‘God’s will’ or “justified” by misinterpretation of scripture. Over the past 5 years she has therefore specialised in supporting women and girls of faith, and has led a programme to deliver domestic violence awareness training tailored specifically for faith communities. Veronica is of the Christian faith and founder of a Woman’s Ministry, Arise Ministry.

Veronica has a wealth of experience in the domestic violence sector in numerous capacities. She has worked for several of the main domestic abuse service providers and charities, and has trained GPs, NHS hospitals, social workers, other professionals, religious clergy, women’s groups and many others in domestic violence/abuse as it affects people of faith. She is a qualified Safeguarding Instructor, is accredited by Safe Lives as an IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advocate) and Educator, and holds a qualification in Psychodynamics and Psychotherapy also a qualified trainer.

Veronica is very passionate about the services BiCC offers, including raising DASV awareness, training and supporting survivors of abuse. BiCC has been providing urgent and long-term support to women of faith affected by VAWG since 2015, and to date has supported many women and girls. Around 75% of BiCC’s clients from the BAME and Faith Community, are from low-income families. We are committed to diversity, for instance running multiple workshops for women of faith. 

The Coronavirus lockdown caused a rapid increase in cases, as has been widely reported in the press and recognised by Government. This is due to many factors: stress caused by financial hardship, increased alcohol and drug use, home schooling, and the victim being forced to stay at home with the perpetrator due to furlough. 

Often those experiencing DASV are reluctant to access mainstream VAWG support services, due to poor English language skills or fear of speaking out within the community and the consequences. Our clients prefer to access support where they are less likely to have an connections.

We believe that BiCC is one of the few DASV support organisations that specialises in helping women of faith. We offer free one-to-one and group support to clients. Everyone is support as an individual and the support is client-led, this includes risk assessments, safety planning, advocacy, practical and emotional support. We also offer DVA awareness training; to date we have trained faith leaders and other professionals.

Due Covid-19 lockdown BiCC began to expand our services which include a One Stop Shop, our BICC Helpline and our Counselling and Therapeutic Service.

Training was delivered online by Veronica Simpson, BiCC’s CEO. 

BiCC specialise in, advocacy, risk management, IDVA and support which DVA victims can access safely and quickly using their smartphones, or computer. 

The service features a trained DVA adviser; to support Children’s welfare; and a solicitor providing legal aid and pro-bono advice. BiCC’s bespoke therapeutic journey to recovery.

BiCC works independently from statutory services, however we work in partnership with other organisations to ensure the support offered is holistic and reduce risk of serious harm.

Veronica delivers Domestic Abuse Awareness training to anyone that expresses an interest in wanting to understand the faith element of domestic abuse this includes community leaders, employers, employees and professionals.

Back in Control Consultancy (BiCC) provides advocacy, practical and emotional support to those that are or have been affected by domestic violence or abuse. We are specialists in supporting victims and survivors from faith backgrounds.

Faith Leaders are in an ideal position to help those in their congregations who are affected by domestic abuse. They can initiate open conversations about abuse and religious faith, challenge harmful customs and traditions, and help people to overcome misinterpretations of religious teachings that claim that abuse is ever acceptable.

BiCC is therefore working in partnership with faith institutions to enhance awareness of domestic abuse among Faith Leaders and within faith communities. We do this by offering bespoke Awareness Training for faith leaders, clergy and lay members to help them understand the challenges and barriers facing people of faith experiencing domestic violence or abuse, such a culture, misogyny, patriarchy #VAWG and respond appropriately.

Culture is Not an Excuse for Domestic Abuse.

In April 2020 the #FaithsAgainstDomesticAbuse campaign was launched to highlight the work of specialist domestic violence organisations who support victims from faith and BAME backgrounds with little or no support from central government.

Back in Control Consultancy are therefore work in partnership with other organisations to enhance the awareness of domestic abuse among Faith and Community Leaders and within faith communities, offering bespoke Awareness Training to help them gain an understanding of the challenges and barriers facing people of faith experiencing domestic or sexual abuse. 

Veronica is a practising Christian.