Empowerment Star
For people who have experienced domestic abuse/family violence
New and improved second edition
The new Empowerment Star has updated, inclusive language and engaging, accessible design.
Published in October 2025 and informed by feedback from practitioners, it replaces the older Empowerment Star version
Who is the new Empowerment Star for?
This Star is for people who have experienced domestic abuse, in any form. It’s designed to help people be supported to create a life in which they are safe and be empowered to make the choices that are right for them.
The new version uses inclusive language, along with guidance to support practitioners to use language that is right for the people they are supporting and the service they work within.
Outcome areas (2nd Edition)
Safety
Where I live
Support networks
Legal issues
Health and wellbeing
My money
Children
My time
Who I am
The Journey of Change (2nd Edition)
01
Stuck
02
Getting support
03
Taking steps
04
Learning what works for you
05
Empowerment and choice
Already using the Empowerment Star?
If you were using Empowerment Star before October 2025, your version will now be out of date. Because there are significant changes between the old edition and the new one, you will need to switch to the new version when you are ready.
You do not need to switch to the new edition immediately. You can do this in a timeframe that works for you and your service.
We will be encouraging services to switch over the coming months and in time the old version will be retired. This will occur from 2027 at the earliest.
Below you can read more about how to switch and FAQs, and a detailed breakdown of the changes for the new version of Empowerment Star.
New Star - new resources
As part of the update to the Empowerment Star we felt the time was right to update the Star resources. We’re excited to share the first new designs for an Outcomes Star in a decade!
Download a preview
Explore a preview of a resource for the Empowerment Star 2nd Edition
Always rooted in expertise and experience
The 1st Edition of the Empowerment Star was developed in collaboration with Eaves Housing and with funding from London Councils. Organisations Bromley Women’s Aid and Latin American Women’s resource Centre participated with Eaves in the development and piloting of the Star. Asha Women’s Centre (Worcester) and Hestia (London) helped to pilot the Empowerment Star.
We would like to thank the following people and organisations who generously gave their time to review the Empowerment Star and contribute to the 2nd Edition:
Maria and Jane, West Wales Domestic Abuse Service (UK)
Lottie, Changing Pathways (UK)
Vikki, Fearfree (UK)
Angela, Next Chapter (UK)
Debbie Cannon, Trans Without Abuse (UK)
Angela, Safer Places (UK)
Cat Everett, Activist & Violence Against Women & Girls Consultant (UK)
VOICES Charity Bath (UK)
Unique Outcomes (Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand)
Women’s Community Shelters (Australia)
National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges (Aotearoa New Zealand).
