The Freedom Programme
The Freedom Programme
Where did the Freedom Programme come from?
What is the Freedom Programme?
The aim of the programme is:
- To help women who have experienced domestic violence make sense of and understand what has happened to them.
- To recognise potential future abusers.
- To help women gain self-esteem and the confidence to improve their lives, instead of the whole experience just feeling like a horrible mess.
These sessions look at:
- How the abuser maintains control.
- The tactics and beliefs of abusive men.
- The effect of domestic violence and abuse on any children living in the home.
- The sessions will also help women to understand that what has happened to them is not their fault, as well as providing them with the knowledge needed to protect themselves and their children from harm.
- You will be provided with reading and materials required to complete the course.
Where do we meet?
The group meet weekly in Kilkenny at a quiet central place for 2 hours. We take a break half way through and light refreshments are provided. The group is relaxed and the women are friendly. The facilitators are trained and work at the refuge and have experience of working in this discipline.
The group is also held online.
What kind of women will I meet at the group?
Women from all walks of life, of various ages, from different parts of Kilkenny and different countries. This is what makes the group so great, that it is full of diversity, but everyone shares similar experiences and can relate to each other’s lives. Every woman you meet in the group has experienced abuse, we don’t endorse women that haven’t had this experience but want to find out about abuse. We provide information at the refuge, if you are not sure if it is for you please telephone us at the refuge and we can talk to you. The Freedom Programme is open to all women, regardless of age, class, ethnic origin, disability, sexuality, nationality, religion or cultural beliefs. It is also open to women with or without children.
How do I know if it is confidential?
What will happen in the group?
Each week the group focuses on specific tactics and behaviours that abusive men use. We have group discussions, share and learn from each. Each woman gets a work book about the programme and sometimes we give handouts. You don’t need to be able to read because we talk though the work. If English is not your first language please do not be put off, once you can understand the main points you can benefit from the group. We don’t expect you to talk if you don’t feel comfortable and we never put women on the spot or ask you to write or read unless you are comfortable with it. Women come and share and support each other you could meet a woman who has many years of experience. It is not acceptable to judge or criticise each other, it is a caring and welcoming environment. We don’t tell women what to do or that they should leave a relationship.
Am I expected to attend every week?
The group runs for 12 weeks, women can come as often as they like. We understand that women are not always able to attend, as things come up. If you are still living with the abuser, he may be monitoring your whereabout it might not be easy to leave the house. As the group runs a rolling programme if you miss a week you can catch up at the next Freedom Programme if it suits you.
Who do I Contact:
Please contact the refuge and speak to Sarah or Anita on 056 777 1404 or on 1850 42 42 44. We usually meet women for a cuppa and a chat first. You can ask any questions or concerns you might have about coming to the group.
We look forward to you taking your next step to freedom…
