Freedom Programme is an 11 week educational programme for women who have escaped or wish to escape domestic abuse. It teaches them what abuse is, helping them to process their own experiences and validate what they have been through. It teaches the effects abuse has and the warning signs which in turn helps victims spot abuse in the future so that they will not become a victim again. It supports them throughout their journey helping them validate what they have been through, offering tools to help them become in control of their life again and feel empowered. It also offers practical support with the aftermath of domestic abuse which many people do not hear about- to help stop the continued abuse once a person has escaped the relationship, such as non molestation orders, safety planning. This is not currently run in our local area and will offer another avenue of support to our community where the services in this area are already very stretched.

What we'll deliver:

• 11 week Freedom Programme- education to victims
• 9 Week Growth Programme- Help moving forward after abuse
• Support & advocacy- Help keep them safe and supported

Why it's a great idea:

Our area- Southport, has very limited support with Domestic Abuse, I have been in two abusive relationships and experienced the support we offer. I feel that we need to break the cycle of abuse rather than just stick a plaster on it. This programme educates victims and gives them tools to use in future relationships to prevent entering another abusive relationship. When a person leaves a domestic abusive relationship they are at their most vulnerable and often in extreme danger, this programme is aimed to pick them up, support them and help them through a very difficult stage of their life, taking them step by step, at their own pace to an independent life. The benefits will be a decrease in further abusive relationships, improvement in mental health, more support in a much needed area of our community, empowered independent women who feel able to return to work quicker and go back to a normal life, friendships in the local community, a feeling of being worthy and belonging

Steps to get it done:

This will be run in Southport to start with but I would also like to offer the service in Formby and Crosby so that more women can access the support. The money will pay for a venue, books for each client to further their learning, and 121 support from people who understand their situation (have lived experience of Domestic Abuse) so they will feel fully understood.