Domestic Violence and Abuse
What is domestic violence and abuse?
We define domestic violence and abuse as a pattern of controlling, violent and abusive behaviour, in the majority of cases by a current partner or ex-partner, but also within a family relationship. It can take place both in and outside of the home.
Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to:
• Coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence)
• Psychological and/or emotional abuse
• Physical violence
• Sexual assault and abuse
• Financial or economic abuse
• Harassment and stalking
• Online or digital abuse
Domestic violence and abuse is very common. It can affect anyone irrespective of ethnicity, class, gender, religion, cultural background, disability,
marital status, age or sexual orientation. It is never your fault.
We’re here to help
For over 40 years, Staffordshire Women’s Aid have been supporting women and children living with, fleeing or recovering from the impact
of domestic violence and abuse.
We understand how difficult it is to take the first step, but when you feel ready, we are here to help. We will not judge you, or put any pressure
on you to make decisions or take any action you’re not comfortable with. We can support and empower you to rebuild your life free from fear
and violence, enabling you to see yourself as a Survivor.
Our Services include:
ForWard House Refuge
Forward House Refuge provides safe, secure accommodation for women and children who need to flee their homes because of
domestic violence.
All our accommodation is self contained, which means families have their own flat as well as access to communal facilities, such as the Children’s
play room. We are also able to accommodate women and children with disabilities.
Our Support Practitioners provide practical and emotional support, and work to re-build the confidence and self-esteem which so many women and
children lose because of domestic violence. They provide specialist support to help women and children recover from the abuse they have
experienced and make the complex journey from Victim to Survivor.
If you aren’t safe in your own home and would like to access refuge please call our 24 Hour Helpline on 0300 330 5959. We can offer
advice and support to help you make this decision. If we are unable to accommodate you, or you feel you may be safer in another
part of the UK, we will be able to help you access refuge space elsewhere.
Counselling
Our team of qualified counsellors provide therapeutic counselling, for both adults and children over the age of 5, who have experienced domestic
violence and abuse at any point during their lives. Counselling enables you to acknowledge your experiences and express your feelings in a safe
and supported environment.
Counsellors at Staffordshire Women’s Aid are all qualified to diploma level or above and receive regular supervision to ensure that
they work safely and to the highest possible standards.
Group Work
We offer a range of therapeutic group work programmes for women and children who have experienced, or are at risk
of experiencing, violence and abuse. Click on the links below for further information.
• Power to Change
• Warrior Girls
• You and Me, Mum
• Our Time
If you would like to talk to someone about accessing our support call our 24-hour helpline on 0300 330 5959 or Make a Referral
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Our Domestic Abuse Services are funded by
