Domestic Violence
Domestic Abuse - Lewisham Children & Family Centre
CODA is a 12-week therapeutic programme for women & children who have experienced Domestic Abuse. It provides a community based setting for children to share and talk about their experiences, so they understand abuse, reduce their self-blame, can do some planning to keep themselves safe, and learn how to manage their emotions so they can be expressed appropriately.
What is Abuse?
Everyone has arguments, and everyone disagrees with their partners, family members and others close to them from time to time. And we all do things at times that we regret, and which cause unhappiness to those we care about. But if this begins to form a consistent pattern, then it is an indication of domestic violence and abuse.
If you are not sure whether this applies to you, there is a helpful questionnaire to complete on the Women’s Aid website:
https://www.womensaid.org.uk/the-survivors-handbook/am-i-in-an-abusive-relationship/
Keeping Safe
Recognising that you are being abused is an important step. Where you go from here is up to you. You may feel you need time to think about your situation. Or perhaps you have already made up your mind to leave. Whatever you decide, your safety and that of your children is always the priority.
Keeping safe if you’re still living with the abuser
Keeping safe if you’ve left your partner, but are still in danger
If you are in immediate danger call 999.
Help and support for you and your family
You are not to blame, you are not alone and help is available. If you or your children have been affected by domestic abuse, there are a range of services that can help you and your family.
We offer 1:1 family support in your home or in the community, we can help you access specific domestic abuse services such as Athena (see below) and a range of group activities within our own Centres.
Our 2 main programmes are:
- Freedom programme – a group for women who are at risk, have experienced or are experiencing Domestic Abuse.
- Community Groups Programme – a therapeutic programme for children of all ages which also supports mothers (this can be delivered through an age-based group in a children’s centre or on a 1:1 basis in school, home or in a children’s centre)
If you would like to access family support, get help with accessing Athena or other domestic abuse services or you would like to attend one of our programmes, please do contact us and self-refer via our confidential email below. To make a referral click below.