main content New programme to combat domestic violence

Bromley Council is the first London borough to introduce a new Freedom Programme for women who want to find out more about the reality of domestic violence and abuse.

The free 12-week rolling programme will be run in three different locations - Mottingham, Orpington and Penge - starting on 12 January, and will cover a number of useful topics including where people suffering from this form of abuse can seek help.

The Programme aims to: 

• Help women understand the beliefs held by abusive men and in so doing, recognise which of these beliefs they have shared. 
• Illustrate the effects of domestic violence on children. 
• Assist women to recognise potential future abusers.
• Help women gain self-esteem and the confidence to improve the quality of their lives.
• Introduce women to community resources such as the Bromley Domestic Violence One-Stop Shop, Bromley Women’s Aid, the Police Domestic Violence Unit and other services available to them in Bromley.

Dave Gaywood, Bromley Council’s Domestic Violence Coordinator said: “The first step for many women who are faced with this kind of insidious abuse is to understand that there is help at hand and that they do not have to put up with this behaviour or stand by and see this happening to others. This is just one way in which people can learn more about what to do.

“Places are free to women living in the borough and, as it is a rolling programme, it doesn’t matter at what point they join in, as long as they come to 12 sessions in all. To book a place or get further information simply call 020 8313 4920.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The Safer Bromley Partnership is committed to continuously improving safety in Bromley. We want a borough where people can live, work, play and learn safely. Our members include Bromley Council, Bromley Police, Health, Probation, Fire and London Ambulance Services, the Metropolitan Police Authority and Broomleigh Housing Association. 
• In Bromley 7 cases of domestic violence are reported to the police every day. 
• On average, women contact 11 agencies before obtaining the help they need. 
• On average, a woman is assaulted at least 35 times before she reports an assault to the police.
• Domestic violence is equally as prevalent among all income groups and among people from all ethnic groups. 
• Women who have experienced domestic violence are 15 times more likely to abuse alcohol, 9 times more likely to abuse drugs, 3 times more likely to be diagnosed as depressed or psychotic, and 5 times more likely to attempt suicide. 
  
• For media enquiries, please contact Susie Clark, Communications Officer, on 020 8461 7911, or email susie.clark@bromley.gov.uk