Taking Stock

Half way through the year is a good chance for us to take stock of where we are following a difficult 2024/25 which saw the closure of one of our refuges following an unsustainable rent rise and the end of our outreach service.

So far this year we have taken 383 referrals for support, providing ongoing support to 336 women and children, with our refuges frequently being completely full.

Those who use our services continue to be highly complementary of the support they have received. 100% of those who responded to the end of course feedback in last term’s Freedom Programme community groups said they had a better understanding of domestic abuse and its impact and that the sessions had made a positive difference to their lives. Participants also reported that the groups were helping them on their way to rebuilding the confidence and self-esteem that can be devastated by domestic abuse.

We asked those who participated in our Freedom Programme community groups what meant most to them:

“I have gained so much knowledge and made friends for life.”

“The support has been phenomenal … This course is the reason I will get my life back on track.”

“The kindness shown to me; believing me when I was finally able to tell my truth of how bad my situation really was.”

“I am starting to believe in myself again, beginning to find myself and feel like me… so much more empowered…”

“Helped me begin to realise that I’m not mad and that it’s not my fault.”

“It has boosted my confidence and self esteem”

“I think the group is amazing! I would highly recommend it for anyone who’s in a domestic abuse relationship or just left or slowly healing from one this group has helped me so much and I will always be grateful for that.”

“No judgement. Relaxed. Informative. Reassuring … I felt heard. Validated.”

If you are affected by domestic abuse, come and join our groups either face to face at Billingshurst, Burgess Hill, Crawley, Littlehampton or Worthing or online. Find out more on our Community Groups page.