Women’s Work now offers the Own My Life course, a 10 week future focussed programme to help those who have been in abusive relationships with partners to regain ownership of their life and give them the tools to feel confident to move on.

Unlike The Freedom Programme, which aims to educate on the many types and signs of abuse and the effect it has on children, Own My Life is focused on the future (what happens next) and making positive changes in women’s lives in order to move on.

The course contains engaging multimedia content to explain complex concepts about trauma and abuse in easy to understand video clips, along with videos which evidence how popular culture reinforces or perpetuates sexism, rape culture, violence, misogyny, disrespect in relationships, and abusive behaviour.

The course includes lots of positive activities and reflective journaling to explore how women can regain ownership of our lives including owning our mind, body, choices, relationships, world, feelings.

These sessions are delivered by our staff who are trained facilitators  and supported by Peer Mentors who have lived experience of domestic abuse themselves. Women are able to share their experiences in a safe and non-judgemental space, and gain the skills and confidence to move on to living a happier and empowered life.

Women’s Work can also signpost women to make it easier for them to access other services if they need additional specialist help, for example the urgent help of an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (an initiative between Derby City Council and Refuge to support women at high risk to escape domestic abuse). 

Refuge and Women’s Aid support women and children experiencing domestic violence with a range of services.  Contact their free Helpline for assistance 0808 2000 247 (24 hr service).   Websites are: www.refuge.org.uk and www.womensaid.org.uk