"Made me more aware of my own needs and how to deal with situations differently. I have made my boundaries which has helped me get on better with my children."
Pattern Changing is a 14 week x 2 hour course for women who have been affected by domestic abuse. The programme is designed to help survivors to end the cycle of abuse, help you to explore your personal experiences and learn practical strategies that are tailored to you to gain empowerment. By doing this you can make personal choices to make positive changes in your life and change negative patterns into positive ones. The course is for women who are already in contact with us and covers a wide range of areas:-
- your human rights
- the impact of a difficult childhood
- living with abuse and why it is hard to leave
- explore relationships with children and young people
- dealing with anger
- assertiveness
- boundary setting
- healthy relationships
- future goal setting
The course is run in Exeter and facilitated by SAFE workers. Pattern Changing is free and we may be able to make contributions towards the costs of travel and child care if finances allow.
We generally run 3 groups each term, starting in January, April and September. Two of them are offered during the daytime, and one in the evening. Pattern Changing gives you the time and space to discuss your abuse with other women in a supportive environment. It will support you to develop self-confidence, and move forward with forming new and positive relationships with family and new partners.
By taking part in this course and with the support of your course members and facilitators be empowered to make positive choices ending the cycle of abuse and gain a better understanding of your relationship with your children and gain confidence in your parenting. Our previous course members have told us that they gain confidence, their self esteem and self worth improves and they feel less isolated.
Pattern Changing is highly regarded by the women who have attended and amongst the different agencies working to combat domestic violence and abuse. In our evaluations we receive positive feedback from the women completing the course. Here is just some of what women have said:
"I hope many other women who have suffered domestic violence get the opportunity to do this course, it will bring a completely new and positive outlook on life and they will value themselves as an equal to all other human beings."
"I don’t feel guilty about leaving, it had to be done. I am more positive and assertive. I put myself first more and don’t feel the need to run around after everybody and do everything myself."
Please be aware that to participate you must be linked to our support services and we do not accept referrals from agencies. You can refer yourself by calling our 24/7 helpline.
