Womens Support Service
When a man is referred to the SAFE programme is (ex) partner is offered a support service via a Womens Safety Worker.
Partner Support can be given in a number of ways:
By Post
clients are contacted informing them of their partners status on the group. e.g. that he attending the programme and information on the module content.
Telephone support
as above.
All partners are offered face –face support, counselling and or access to the Freedom Programme.
The Womens Safety Worker can provide.
Emotional and practical support.
This encourages clients to reflect on her situation more clearly and explore her circumstances in a safe environment.
This encourages clients to monitor the degree to which their partner has changes and help clients to consider all their options in order to empower them to make their own decisions.
Safety Planning
Consider ways of making their home safe or to get away to a safe place. They will be encouraged to think about their emotional and physical safety.
Domestic Violence awareness
Letting client know she is not to blame for the domestic abuse she is experiencing.
Expectations regarding the men’s programme
It is important to recognise that some men may use their attendance on the men’s programmes to manipulate, further abuse, blame their partners or convince their partners they have changed or are “cured”.
The men’s programme does not provide a guarantee that a man will stop behaving abusively. The service can only try to help him make changes regarding his abusive behaviour.
Sign posting
Where appropriate referring clients for specialist advise.
Advocacy
Advocate on the womens behalf in a multi agency setting
Risk assess
Support women through the civil/criminal justice system
Work closely with other relevant agencies to make women and children safer.
Confidentiality
Information is not shared with any other organisations without the client’s permissions.
We will not inform her (ex) partner of any contact or content of the support she is receiving.
