Freedom Programme
Learn about domestic abuse
The Freedom Programme examines the sexist attitudes and beliefs of abusive men and the impact this has on victims and survivors.
The aim is to help women make sense of and understand what has happened to them, which in turn empowers them to recognise the signs of existing or potential future abusers.
The Freedom Programme also describes in detail how children are affected by exposure to this kind of abuse and importantly, how their lives are improved when the abuse is removed.
SATEDA delivers the Freedom Programme to women in Swale who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse and want to make sense of this experience.
SATEDA runs the Freedom Programme for 12 weeks, for 2 hours each week. These start in September, January and April (there are no sessions during school holiday weeks).
You’ll be given a copy of ‘Living With the Dominator’ by Pat Craven, a cuppa and some biscuits. Each week the facilitator will guide you in exploring the traits and abusive tactics of different types of perpetrators which are in the book.
Together you’ll learn to identify these traits and tactics, how they are reinforced in wider society and reflect on the impact each trait and tactic had on you (and your children).
You might feel inspired to discuss those which are familiar to your experience with other women in the group, and we encourage you to do so if you feel comfortable! Courage is contagious.
We always make time at the end of the session to talk about the opposite traits of the perpetrator discussed: the good person in a healthy relationship, to end on a positive and hopeful note.
Read more about what it’s like to attend the Freedom Programme sessions here.
Yes, all the services we provide to women and children are free thanks to grants and fundraisers.
To help cover our costs and enable more women to benefit please consider donating where you can.
Yes, we provide a crèche for little ones who aren’t yet in school, so you don’t have to worry about missing sessions due to childcare issues.
Groups are small and informal. Participants find it more than just a programme as it offers the benefits of a support group.
“The group exceeded my expectations. I truly didn’t know what to expect as I hadn’t heard of SATEDA but doing the Freedom Programme has led me to accessing follow-on courses that have benefited my life in every possible way.”
SATEDA client
“SATEDA and the Freedom Programme really helped me come to terms with being comfortable to speak out loud in a room full of others about what I had been through. I felt safe speaking, and empowered through the group”
SATEDA client
“This programme opened my eyes to all the different types of perpetrators (of which I already knew some). It made me realise that I am important too and I should get what I want in life and whoever comes into my life has to behave themselves and treat me with respect. Otherwise I will cut them off or pull them up and make them accountable for their actions.”
SATEDA client
“A lovely group and course to help understand abuse and help me understand what I’ve been through to process it. I’ve had the best time, learnt so much and met some amazing people. Thank you, Susan, for everything. I definitely have a different perspective on life moving forward. It’s been very helpful and insightful, as well as validating.”
SATEDA client
Interested in the Freedom Programme?
Please do not send confidential information, whether you’re inquiring for yourself or someone else. Someone from our team will contact you as soon as possible to discuss your query in confidence. We may call from a withheld number.
Please note, for your safety, you won’t receive email confirmation of your enquiry.
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