Feeling Safe

Together we offer survivors of domestic abuse; children aged between 5 - 19 yrs, (indirectly with children under 5) and their female carers group work in which to address the impact of domestic abuse on children and families.

The staff group, fuelled by shared personal energy and interests has formed a strong basis to work from. Developing new ways of working within 2 pilot groups, offering the children and mothers one place to come (that is not a refuge) and feel safe and work with others to develop their strength, understanding and resilience.

The group offers the children and adults the opportunity and space to express their feelings, views, share experiences and allow them to learn to manage the legitimate anger and trauma that follows domestic abuse. Personal skills may be learned that will help them form and maintain positive future relationships.

The children are given ownership of the groups and enouraged to interpret the group agenda through the creative medium and content of the group work offered. This work includes, sculpting, the sharing tree, drama, use of video, mask work etc. An invited male worker has joined the group on 3 occasions offering input on gender issues and responses to violence, this also offers a positive role model. The group runs for 10 sessions with introduction and evaluation sessions.