1. The Freedom Programme The Recovery Toolkit
Domestic Abuse
Group Work
The Freedom Programme The Recovery Toolkit

2. The Freedom Programme
The Freedom programme is an educational programme for any woman who wants to learn more about domestic violence and abuse
Structured discussions which focus on specific aspects of abusive and controlling behaviour
The programme consists of 12 x 2 hour rolling group sessions
The programme provides free child care

3. The Freedom Programme
Explores a range of abusive behaviours, how they are used & the effects domestic abuse has on both women and children
Identifies early warning signs so women may recognise future potential abusers
Provide opportunity for women to break the silence that surrounds domestic abuse, access support & develop support networks
Aims to reduce isolation
What is the FP
What does the freedom programme do?
Gives women the opportunity to start to understanding domestic abuse
It opens their eyes and often for the very first time, to the pattern of abuse in domestic abuse
Better understanding ofhow the abuser behaves and what he is trying to achieve.
So often for the first time ever , they start to reflect on exactly how the abuse in their own relationships
Women often talk about domestic abuse being a ‘dirty secret’ that they keep away from friends and family etc
Domestic abuse is highly complex and I think that The freedom programme does a very a good job at breaking it down, so that we get better understanding it.
assists women to recognise abusive behaviours and, its effects
Freedom programme weeks on slide – persuader –
Impact
Mental
Physical
Social
Women are at risk and vulnerable of continued abuse either by the abuser or someone else
The recovery toolkit
Whats the difference
What is the RT?
Negative thoughts, feeling and beleifs about themselves

4. The Effects on Children Pt 2
The Freedom Programme
The Bully
The Headworker
The Jailer
The Bad Father
Effects on Children Pt 1
The Sexual Controller
The King of the Castle
The Persuader
The Effects on Children Pt 2
The Liar

5. Effects of the abuse Poor physical and mental health Low self-esteem
Accepts blame and guilt for violence
Socially isolated, eg avoids social interaction, never seems to be alone
Depression, self harm, contemplates suicide
Stress
Engaging in manipulative behaviours, such as lying, as a way of surviving
Nervous and anxious
Drug and alcohol use
Post-traumatic Stress

6. The Recovery Toolkit
An educational 12 week programme for those who are no longer at risk from the abuse
designed to assist each woman to look at ways to develop positive lifestyle coping strategies
Closed group for up to 8 women

7. Aims and objectives of the Recovery Toolkit
to positively change an abused individual’s thinking, how you perceive yourself (self-esteem and self-image)
to encourage the development of strategies to help cope with emotional pain
to recognise the effects of abuse on children, encouraging them to develop positive parenting skills
to positively change how individuals interact with others
to set individual goals and action planning
to give individuals the knowledge needed to enable them to move forward in their lives and develop healthy relationships

8. How to refer to the Freedom Programme/Recovery Toolkit