Female survivors of domestic abuse get "life changing" support on new Sunderland course
“I've had a bad past life, but I've got a good life now”
Women who’ve experienced domestic abuse across Sunderland are benefiting from a ‘life-changing’ course funded through the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner's Supporting Victims Programme.
Handcrafted Projects has been commissioned through the programme, receiving £15,000 to deliver its trauma-informed Own My Life course, helping women understand the impact of abuse, regain control of their lives and develop healthy coping mechanisms for the future.
The funding is supporting the delivery of four 12-week courses each year across Handcrafted's community hubs and hopes to support up to 40 women annually.
The course recognises additional challenges often faced by those who have experienced domestic abuse such as homelessness, poor mental health, substance misuse or involvement with the criminal justice system. National figures show that around 70% of women in prison have experienced domestic abuse, while 72% face homelessness on release.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth said: "The women I met spoke so openly and honestly about their experiences and the difference the Own My Life programme has made to their lives. The course has equipped them with the skills and help needed to rebuild their confidence and recognise behaviours that were never acceptable.
"I know recovery is not always easy, but services like this provide survivors with the support, understanding and practical help they need to look to the future with hope and confidence – I saw remarkable women today who were great examples of this."
Many of the women she spoke to described the programme as "life-changing", helping them “rediscover who they are, regain confidence and feel able to make their own decisions”. Many women spoke about experiences of coercive and controlling behaviour, including restricted access to money, being cut off from friends and family, and having limited access to mobile phones.
One victim survivor who has taken part in the course said: “I've had a bad past life, but I've got a good life now. It is like I was a weed, now I am a flower. Handcrafted have helped me from when I first started until now. They go the extra mile. I never had a voice, but now I've found my voice and can help other people."
Handcrafted Projects has years of experience supporting vulnerable women, including those who’ve spent time in prison. The organisation previously piloted a pioneering partnership with the Women's Liberation Collective to deliver the Own My Life programme, which has since expanded across its community hubs.
Ruth Crichton, Women's Work Coordinator at Handcrafted Projects, said: “The Handcrafted Projects team at Sunderland were delighted to welcome the PCC this week. We were keen to show her the various sessions that we run including woodwork, cooking and craft, and in particular share our work with women who ‘ve experienced domestic abuse and have benefitted significantly from the course.
“This course is a 12-week programme to empower women to take back ownership of their lives following the trauma of abuse and is part of the holistic approach that Handcrafted takes in working with all the people that engage with our charity. We’re incredibly grateful for the funding we’ve received from the PCC to enable us to continue this work and run additional courses.”
Women can access the programme through referral from Probation services, Changing Lives, and local housing teams, while self-referral is also available through Handcrafted's open-door community hubs.