Freedom Programme
Do you want a deeper understanding of abusive relationships? Perhaps you’re keen to learn how to recognise the signs and patterns to help protect yourself in future relationships. That’s exactly what the Freedom Programme is all about.
What is the Freedom Programme?
The Freedom Programme is a 12-week course which supports women in understanding abusive relationships and taking steps to move forward with confidence and clarity.
Women explore the sexist attitudes and controlling beliefs that drive abusive behaviour and examine the impact this has had on them as victims and survivors.
The aim is to help women make sense of their experiences and recognise the warning signs of existing or potential future abusers. It empowers women to make safer, healthier choices.
It also highlights how abuse affects children and, importantly, how their wellbeing improves once the abuse stops.
SATEDA delivers the Freedom Programme to women in Swale (Sittingbourne, Faversham, Isle of Sheppey and surrounding areas) who have been affected by domestic abuse and want to make sense of this experience.
Programmes begin in September, January, or April, with breaks during school holidays. The Freedom Programme runs over 12 weeks, with each session lasting two hours.
Sessions are held in person, but online options are available if needed.
These sessions follow the book ‘Living With the Dominator’ by Pat Craven. We’ll welcome you with a cuppa and some biscuits. Each week, your facilitator will guide you through exploring the traits and abusive tactics of different types of perpetrators described in the book.
You’ll work towards understanding abusive relationships by learning to to identify these traits and tactics, how they are reinforced by wider society and reflect on the impact each trait and tactic may have had on you (and your children).
You may feel inspired to share your experiences and we encourage open conversation with the other women in the group if you feel comfortable.
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.
Groups are small and informal. Participants find it more than just a programme as it offers the benefits of a support group.
Unfortunately, we’re unable to accommodate children at these sessions, as we don’t have the resources or funding to provide childcare.
If you’re interested in attending the programme but have concerns about childcare, please don’t hesitate to get in touch as we may be able to help you explore some options.
“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.
"*" indicates required fields