This project will empower survivors of abuse through theatre to discuss violence against women and girls, in a way we can educate, raise awareness and include everyone in the conversation. Our aim is to deliver special discussion-based workshops across our region to community groups; combined with a performance of ‘I Walk the Line’ a play which follows ‘Steph’ -a single mother who sings to block out her abusive ex and remains determined to walk the line for her children. Our unique project will centre on creating safe spaces and encourage open debates around the impact of domestic abuse in our community. There will be an opportunity to work with a professional actor and writer with lived experience to identify how we can make a real impact and create a ‘Walk the Line’ action plan that will be presented to policy makers and charities in the region. We would deliver this at the The Exchange in North Shields and in community settings across our region and offer free tickets.

What we'll deliver:

• We will deliver discussion-based workshops around domestic abuse and coercive control
• We will edit and develop our script with survivors of abuse from our community and ask for their feedback.
• We will produce a play, 'I Walk the Line', written and directed by survivors of abuse to be performed in the community.
• Host open conversations around the impact DV has on mental health.
• We will offer free tickets to community groups, women's organisations and charities.
• Employ a BSL to make our theatre and performance workshops accessible
• Employ a local freelance creative and technical team from the North East.
• Raise awareness of Violence Against Women and Girls and the impact that has on us all in our workshop
• Empower women to have their say through the re-telling of their stories.
• Engage men in the conversation too via discussing the White Ribbon Campaign #AllMenCan

Why it's a great idea:

Raise awareness in local communities about domestic abuse exploring themes such as coercive control, financial and emotional abuse. Educate and inform audiences rather than entertain so they are thinking more about the subject matter. Empowering women and standing in solidarity with other survivors of abuse. Our workshops are interactive and participation in the arts improves physical and mental health and well being . Signposting participants to relevant charities or organisations if they feel they may need support or help with DV. We also concentrate on opening up the conversation with men about Violence Against Women & Girls and discussing #AllMenCan inspired by the White Ribbon Campaign.

Steps to get it done:

• Writer to edit and develop ‘Walk the Line’ script
• Create workshop element with actor/facilitator and writer
• Hire creative and technical team from local area to support project
• Have a first read-through of play with team
• Create design work for marketing and promotion
• Advertise performance in local area and on social media
• Edit final play and complete workshop session plan
• Hire equipment needed including microphones
• Start two-week rehearsals with director
• Buy set, props and costume
• Perform the resulting project at The Exchange and further community venues.
• Write a report to be sent out to policy makers and local charities.

Northumbria Police receives around 70 reports of domestic abuse every single day (report Dec 2021, Police Commissioner Kim McGuiness) that’s over 25,000 reports in a year, in the North East alone. Hopefully you’re taking notice now and want to do something about it and support THIS project. Not only will it raise awareness, but it aims to work with survivors to improve resilience, build confidence as well as open-up honest discussions around real-life experiences. We are currently working with the groups of men to discuss VAWG. We need to work together to end violence against women and girls and recognise the signs of abuse to support victims in our community. Now more than ever, a project like this is needed in a region that has seen domestic abuse services decimated over the years and vital funding cut.