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freedom programme

• A programme that could change your life, with absolute confidentiality within the group unless the group identifies risk or harm to a child.

what is it?

• The Freedom Programme is run by Newcastle Women’s Aid, in partnership with various agencies and voluntary groups
  
  
• The programme is delivered on a sessional basis (approximately 10-12 sessions)

Who is it for?

• The programme is open to any woman who wants to learn more about the reality of domestic violence and abuse

What are its aims?

• To help women to understand the beliefs held by abusive men and to recognise which of these beliefs they share
  
  
• To provide women with information that will enable women to protect themselves and their children
  
  
• To illustrate the effects of domestic violence on women and children
  
  
• To assist women to recognise potential future abusers
  
  
• To introduce women to community resources such as Women’s Aid, the Police Domestic Violence Liaison Officer and other relevant agencies and services

Mr Wrong

A non-abusive man:

• Cheerful
  
  
• Consistent
  
  
• Supportive
  
  
• Tells you you look good
  
  
• Tells you you are competent
  
  
• Uses your name
  
  
• Trusts you
  
  
• Trusts your judgment
  
  
• Welcomes your family
  
  
• Encourages you to be independent
  
  
• Supports you learning, having a career, etc
  
  
• Admits to being wrong
  
  
• Is a responsible parent
  
  
• Is an equal parent
  
  
• Does his share of the housework
  
  
• Accepts that you have a right to say 'no' to sex
  
  
• Takes responsibility for his own well-being and happiness

A abusive man:

• Shouts
  
  
• Sulks
  
  
• Smashes things
  
  
• Glares
  
  
• Calls you names
  
  
• Makes you feel ugly and useless
  
  
• Cuts you off from your friends
  
  
• Stops you working
  
  
• Never admits he is wrong
  
  
• Turns the children against you
  
  
• Never does his share of the housework
  
  
• Never looks after the children
  
  
• Expects sex on demand
  
  
• Controls the money
  
  
• Threatens or wheedles in order to get his own way
  
  
• Seduces your friends/sister/anyone
  
  
• Expects you to be responsible for his well-being
  
  
• Blames you, drink, drugs, etc

Non-abusive partners do exist. If we didn't believe this, we would stay with an abusive partner believing there is no alternative.

Women, agencies, and services can access Newcastle Women’s Aid by ringing 0191 265 2148