Domestic Abuse Support

What is the Freedom Programme?

The Freedom Programme is an educational programme for women who have experienced, or may be experiencing, domestic abuse.

The programme helps women learn more about the behaviours, beliefs and tactics commonly used by abusive or controlling partners. It explores the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships and supports women to recognise warning signs and patterns of behaviour.

Throughout the programme, women are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences, build their confidence and self-esteem, and develop a greater understanding of what a healthy, respectful relationship should look like.

You do not need to have left a relationship to take part. The programme can support women whether they are currently in a relationship, have recently left, or are reflecting on experiences from their past.

The Freedom Programme can help you to:

• Recognise controlling, abusive and manipulative behaviours
• Understand the tactics used by abusive partners
• Identify the characteristics of healthy and respectful relationships
• Understand how domestic abuse can affect women and children
• Build confidence, knowledge and self-awareness
• Feel less isolated by learning alongside other women with similar experiences
• Make informed choices about your relationships and your future

The programme is delivered in a women-only, supportive and confidential environment, where you can participate at a level that feels comfortable for you.

What is the Own My Life course?

The Own My Life course is an educational programme for women who have experienced domestic abuse, coercive control or unhealthy relationships. It is designed to help women understand their experiences, regain a sense of control and move forward with greater confidence and knowledge.

The course explores how abuse can affect many different areas of a woman's life. This can include her confidence and self-esteem, relationships, mental wellbeing, parenting, finances, use of technology and how she sees herself and the world around her.

Own My Life uses a combination of videos, discussions, activities and an individual learning journal to help women explore patterns of abusive and controlling behaviour and understand the impact these experiences may have had on their lives.

The programme also considers how wider influences, including popular culture, social media and society's expectations of women and relationships, can contribute to the normalisation of unhealthy or controlling behaviours.

The Own My Life course can help you to:

• Understand domestic abuse and coercive control
• Recognise patterns of abusive and controlling behaviour
• Explore how abuse may have affected different areas of your life
• Understand the impact of abuse on confidence and self-esteem
• Recognise healthy and unhealthy relationship behaviours
• Explore how technology and social media can be used as part of abuse and control
• Challenge feelings of self-blame
• Rebuild confidence and develop a stronger sense of self
• Develop knowledge and tools that can support you moving forward
• Feel less isolated through learning alongside other women

The course focuses not only on understanding what has happened, but also on helping women rediscover their strengths, choices and independence.

Whether you are beginning to recognise unhealthy behaviours, have left an abusive relationship, or are trying to make sense of experiences from your past, Own My Life can provide knowledge and understanding to support you as you move forward.