30 July 2010A totally confidential programme that helps women suffering or recovering from domestic abuse to improve their quality of life is available in the District.
The innovative 'Freedom' programme is a 12 week rolling scheme supported by the Sevenoaks District Community Safety Partnership. It is being run at various locations in the District.
The programme is completely free and aims to help participants gain self-esteem, to understand the situation they are in and to gain the confidence to improve the quality of their lives. Women can join the 12 week scheme at any point.
The programme highlights the different forms of abuse, and what domestic abuse is for women who may not realise they are in an abusive relationship.
The programme has already been running successfully at numerous locations across the UK. Eighty-five per cent of those who have attended the programme said that without the support they received they believe they would have returned to their abusive relationship.
Women who are not ready to join the group can be supported individually, or through phone calls.
Anyone interested in participating can join the course at any point, the benefits are the same as long as 12 weeks of the course are completed.
Women can join the programme by calling the 24 hour answerphone on 07854 780690, or by being referred through a variety of agencies, including their GP, Health Visitor or the police. Alternatively to find out more visit the Freedom programme website.
Cllr Keith Loney, Sevenoaks District Council Cabinet member with responsibility for community safety, says: "The Freedom Programme provides a safe and totally confidential environment in which women can talk and share their experiences, empowering them and giving them the confidence to make positive changes to take control of their lives."
As part of Community Safety Week the Community Safety Partnership is highlighting the many projects that through funding from the Partnership has made a difference to residents across the District.
The Partnership brings together all of the agencies in the District who can have an affect on crime and includes Kent Police, Sevenoaks District Council, Kent County Council, Kent Fire & Rescue Service, West Kent Primary Care Trust, Voluntary Sector, Kent Drug & Alcohol Action Team, West Kent Housing, Moat Housing, Kent Youth Offending Team and the Probation Service.
