BathFreedom Programme Information
What is The Freedom Programme?
Freedomis a programme of information and education for any woman who has experienced/ is experiencingdomestic abuse. It consists of 12 weekly sessions of 2 hours, currently on a Friday from 11am until 1pm. Maximum attendance is 15 and the group is led by 2 facilitators (at least one of whom will have had the freedom facilitator training).The programme runs in term time only and has a crèche.
How does The Freedom Programme help?
Freedomteaches women toidentify the tactics used to maintain power and controlin abusive relationships. Unravelling what has happened and making sense of the abuseempowers women so they canrecover and move on. Womenare betterequipped to identify potential abusers in the future. This is alldone in a confidential and supportive environment. Freedom Programme is a nationally recognised educational programme,one which is highly valued, demonstrating positive outcomes for women and children, and somethingwe are veryproud to be able to deliver in the Bath area.
How do I refer?
Referral forms can be obtained from Juliette Parsons or Kirsten Melbourne, contact details below. Once we have received the referral form we will contact the woman, if safe to do so, and discuss the referral direct with her. We will give her directions to the venue and send more information by post if she would like us to. We will contact the referrer if we are not able to speak to the woman herself for any reason. Support workers are welcome to help a woman engage with the programme by accompanying her to sessions. Any professionals that attend the programme are asked to respect the same ground rules as participants.
Freedom is a rolling programme so women can be referred at any time during the courseand are welcome to cometo some sessionsand not others. There is currently one group running in Bath on a Friday morning at a central venue.
We do not recommend that women begin Freedom Programme with the “Effects on Children” or“The Sexual Controller” session.
How does The Freedom Programme work with other agencies?
We receive referrals from (amongst others) social services,health visitors, police, housing officers, children’s centres, probation, refuges, drug and alcohol agencies, Independent Domestic Violence Advisors, victim support as well as self referrals.
The Freedom Programme can be part of a planned support package for families affected by domestic abuse, alongside other services. It is recommended participants also engage with one to one support and safety planning if necessary. If women are subject to MARAC we will liaise with the lead agency to ensure attendance is managed safely, and in line with their existing support plan.
Facilitators give the group information, signpost to other agencies and relevant resources. The Effects on Children Sessions are delivered with support from Sally Pask of Charlotte St Children’s Centre.
Juliette Parsons/Kirsten Melbourne 01225 354659