AN INNOVATIVE new program designed to support women after escaping domestic violence is launching in Murwillumbah this month and is urging locals to utilise its services.
The program, known as The Power to Change, is a group focusing on support and recovery for survivors of domestic violence and is run by Wollumbin Family Support Inc.
The Power to Change program addresses the complex issues and emotions felt after experiencing an abusive relationship such as fear, shame, anger, loss of self-esteem and the effects on family relationships.
The service is free, including child care and refreshments, and the meeting location is central to Murwillumbah.
The group will have a maximum of 12 women per program and runs for 14 weeks. At present, two programs are scheduled from May to December, however, if funding can be achieved, Wollumbin Family Support envisions the program to be ongoing.
The Power to Change is run by qualified facilitators including Michelle Perry and Kyra Worden and the hope is to provide support to women who are isolated.
“Usually a woman feels that life will ultimately get better immediately once they are away from their abuser, however, it is quickly realized that a new set of challenges arise with feelings of isolation and shame, mental health issues, and financial stress being all-encompassing,” Ms Perry said.
Sadly, domestic violence has been on the rise in recent years. There are several factors that have contributed to abuse, one of which is drugs and alcohol. The shameful act of domestic violence is often committed by abusers who are addicted to any substance. As a way to prevent domestic violence, it seems important to take legal action against addicts who commit such crimes and enroll them in rehab centers such as The Recovery Institute of Ohio, which might help make society a better place.
Whenever such conditions exist, it is advisable to get rid of the root cause, which in this case is an abuser. Following that, the victim of domestic violence may have a chance to restore their mental health and relieve excessive stress. EMDR Healing (or a similar center) can help such individuals find relief from trauma through mental therapy.
Moreover, survivors of domestic violence may also have to handle the additional burden of separation or divorce, which will require facing the partner in court. Child custody could be another thing that could mandate getting legal support from a law firm or established lawyer. In that case, women can also look for family mediation services near their location (for instance, search online for Family Mediation Stockport or elsewhere) to get quality legal assistance in relation to family laws.
“The Power to Change aims to help women through this time to show them they are not alone, can reclaim their lives and prevent falling into the same relationship patterns.”
Ms Worden said The Power to Change program aims to assist recovery by providing reconnection and support through interaction with other survivors and professional support from qualified facilitators.
The course has had outstanding results in other communities with participants experiencing lasting benefits. One such domestic violence survivor said the group enabled them to let go of the past and spot abusive behaviour.
“I can let go more easily because I realise that not everything that goes wrong is my fault. I value myself more and I am better able to spot abusive behaviour,” a domestic violence survivor, whose name was withheld, said on benefits of the support group.
The group will also be a part of the Kinship Festival, which provides an avenue for residents to meet face-to-face with the facilitators.
To apply for the group please email: wollumbinfsi@gmail.com or phone 0468 445 820.
Or visit the Wollumbin Family Support website: www.wollumbinfamilysupport.org.au