A PCC-funded project is providing a safe space for women to recover together after domestic and sexual abuse
The Freedom Programme, run by Eva Women’s Aid, is an 11-session group work programme.
Each session offers a weekly place of safety, where women can share learn, heal, prepare and recover from domestic and sexual abuse.
During the programme, they also identify the different types of domestic abuse and coercive control, which they have experienced.
Women, who are living in dangerous and damaging relationships, learn from the programme that freedom from abuse is possible. They can also start to undertake robust, long-term safety planning for themselves and their children.
Previous participants have said they would “not be here today” if it had not been for the support of the programme.
Support from the programme gave 42-year-old, mother-of-two Juliette* a fresh way of looking at her family’s experience of domestic abuse, alcoholism and mental health crisis.
Freedom allowed Juliette to clearly see the level of abuse, which she and her family had suffered. It also helped her to realise that “abnormal had become very normal” within the family.
It gave her the confidence to seek parenting advice, which helped her to see the family’s experiences through her children’s eyes.
Some of the £7,500 PCC grant will also help towards funding two, follow-on programmes for women, who have taken part in the Freedom Programme. The programmes give additional, targeted support to victims.
The EVA.Lution Programme helps women to re-build their self-esteem and confidence after domestic abuse.
The You & Me, Mum programme helps mothers to understand their children’s experiences after domestic abuse. It also aims to boost parenting skills.
Funding is a lifeline
Anthea Camfield, Chief Executive Officer of EVA Women’s Aid, said: “We warmly welcome this funding provided through the Protect and Support Grant, which will enable us to provide additional support to women.
“Our priority is always to keep women and children safe. To do that, we need reliable, long-term funding that allows us to plan, maintain specialist staff, and ensure that no woman is turned away.
“This funding is a lifeline, and we are extremely grateful. However, sustainability is essential if we are to continue delivering the services that survivors rely on every day.”
One in three
Matt Storey, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, said: “One in three women and girls in Cleveland are likely to experience domestic or sexual violence in their lifetime.
“That’s why I’ve made improving safety for women and girls one of the six key objectives in my police and crime plan.
“I’m delighted I was able to fund these valuable programmes but this was only a one-off grant. Increased and longer-term funding is vital if we are to provide the support, which these victims need to recover.”