The Freedom Programme: For women who have experienced domestic abuse

The Freedom Programme

Twenty Four-Seven offers The Freedom programme, a support group and educational programme for women who have experienced domestic abuse. The Freedom Programme is a supportive and important tool in helping victims of domestic abuse break free from the cycle of violence and build healthier, safer lives.

We run the programme in and around Birmingham and Barnsley. This enables us to deliver the programme in line with assessment timeframes, without being limited by waiting lists.

What is the Freedom Programme?

The Freedom Programme is an educational programme designed to help individuals understand the dynamics of domestic violence and abuse. It provides support and education for victims, primarily women, to help them recognize the signs of abusive relationships and understand the tactics used by abusers.

The aims of The Freedom Programme are:

• To help women understand the beliefs held by abusive men and in doing so, recognise which of these beliefs they have shared
• To illustrate the effects of domestic abuse on children
• To assist women to recognise potential future abusers
• To help women gain self-esteem and the confidence to improve the quality of their lives
• To introduce women to other women who share similar experiences

Who is the Freedom Programme suitable for?

Research shows that in the vast majority of cases serious abuse are male on female. For this reason, the Programme was mainly designed for women as victims/survivors of domestic abuse.

It is important to note that domestic abuse is not only between couples. It can also occur between a parent and child, or another relative. If you are unsure if the Freedom Programme is the right choice for you, or the person you are working with, please speak to our team, who will be happy to offer advice.

What do we mean by domestic abuse?

Individuals experiencing domestic abuse will not always be aware that what is happening to them is abusive behaviour. It is not limited to physical abuse, it also includes violent, threatening and controlling behaviours, financial abuse, and psychological, emotional or other abuse. Someone affected by domestic abuse may be restricted in where they go, what they wear, or be manipulated through threats or humiliation. A single incident is classed as domestic abuse.

What do attendees of The Freedom Programme learn?

The Freedom Programme explores the role played by abusive men and the responses of victims and survivors. The aim is for people to make sense of what has happened to them and why, and how to identify signs of abusive behaviour, helping to break the cycle of abuse.

The Freedom Programme also looks at the impact of abuse on children, whether they have been directly involved or grown up in a household where they may have witnessed it. Importantly the course explores how children’s lives are improved when the abuse is removed, and provides guidance on how women can make healthier relationship choices to protect themselves and their children.

Who facilitates/delivers the groups?

The Freedom Programme is delivered by our team, who are trained facilitators with extensive experience of working with families in our assessment centres and in the community. Women are supported and empowered to share their experiences in a safe and non-judgemental space, with the support of an understanding team.

What happens after the course?

Our aim is to help women to gain the skills and confidence they need to recognise repeated patterns of abusive behaviour in relationships. Our team can signpost women to other services if they need additional specialist help.

How can I refer someone to The Freedom Programme?

Please visit the referrals page on our website to make a referral. A Manager will respond to you as soon as possible and will make a decision based on need, risk and the current group dynamic. For urgent referrals or questions, please call us on 01226 786247 and speak to a member of our team.

If you are in need of more immediate help, please contact the free 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. If you are in an emergency, please call 999.