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Freedom programme

Man and woman talking

Are you interested in the subject of domestic abuse? Gaining the knowledge and skills to help protect you and your family. Would you like to learn how to distinguish between non-abusive and abusive behaviour?

The course is free and provides a supportive, safe and friendly environment involving active participation in structured discussions on the subject of domestic abuse. The programme was designed by Pat Craven and each week focuses on the types of tactics that a perpetrator uses called 'the dominator' comparing this with 'the saint' characteristics. These are outlined bellow.

Group process aims to develop our awareness, problem solving, assertiveness training, understanding and developing self.

  • This is a rolling 12-week programme for women only.
  • Suitable to join at any point during the programme.
  • There is a free creche.
  • Groups run in Oxford, Bicester, Banbury, Didcot and Witney

For more information and to book a place on a group please contact the Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 731 0055

The Dominator

shouts
sulks
smashes things
glares
calls you names
makes you feel ugly and useless
cuts you off from your friends
stops you working
never admits he/she is wrong
blames you, drugs, drink, stress etc.
turns the children against you
uses the children to control you
never does their share of the housework
never looks after the children
expects sex on demand
controls the money
threatens or wheedles you to get his own way
seduces your friends/sister/anyone
expects you to be responsible for his well-being.

In contrast to this the course looks at the role of a non perpetrating partner called the Saint. 

The Saint is ....

cheerful
consistent
supportive
tells you you look good
tells you you're competent
uses your name
trusts you
trusts your judgment
welcomes your friends and family
encourages you to be independent
supports your learning, career etc.
admits to being wrong
is a responsible parent
is an equal parent
does thier share of the housework
accepts that you have a right to say "no" to sex
shares financial responsibility
takes responsibility for their own well-being and happiness.

Resources

Supporting Book

The book ‘Living with the Dominator’ by Pat Craven with illustrations by the acclaimed artist Jacky Fleming is now published in paperback.

This book about the Freedom Programme explains violent and abusive behaviour and places it in a social context. It can help readers of any age and sexual orientation to change their own behaviour and to recognise when they are being controlled.

Pat Craven is the creator of the Freedom Programme. Jacky Fleming has produced several books and her illustrations have appeared in the Guardian, New Statesman and the Independent on Sunday.

How to buy the book?
Directly from www.freedomprogramme.co.uk

Pat Craven
Freedom Programme
PO Box 41
Knighton
Powys
LD7 9AF

Telephone: 01547 520 228

Other resources

Mrs Wrong and Mrs Right cards (pdf format, 790 Kb)
Mrs Wrong and Mrs Right poster (pdf format, 791 Kb)
Mr Wrong and Mr Right cards (pdf format, 206 Kb)
Mr Wrong and Mr Right poster (pdf format, 207 Kb)

Contact number: 

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Oxford

Course runs from Monday 21 September 2009 for 12 weeks.
Time: 9.30 - 11.30am

Please note there is a break for half term during October.
For more information call Maz or Claire on 0800 731 0055 or Ruth on 01865 779615.

Bicester

Every Thursday 9.30-11am.

Banbury

Course runs from Monday 21 September 2009 for 12 weeks.
Time: 10 - 11.30am

Please note the course will be held on Tuesday after the first session.

For more information contact Jackie Nevin
Telephone: 07717 470157
Email: jackien@pactcharity.org

Didcot

Course runs from Friday 18 September 2009 for 12 weeks.
Time: 9.30 - 11.30am

Please note there is a break for half term during October.
For more information call Maz or Sue on 0800 731 0055 or Sue on 01235 511444.

Witney

Course runs from Wednesday 23 September 2009 to December 9 2009.
Time: 10 - 11.30am

Please note there is a break for half term during October.

For more information contact Yolanda Hampshire.
Telephone: 07717 224145
Email: yolandah@pactcharity.orgTehThe programme was designed by Pat Craven and each week focuses on the types of tactics that a perpetrator uses. Here perpetrators are called 'the dominator' and the tactics are as follows;T

Help lines

  • National helpline
    (24 hrs)
    0808 2000 247
  • Oxfordshire domestic abuse helpline
    0800 731 0055
  • Police
    (non emergency)
    101
  • Victim support
    0845 450 3883
  • Kiran Asian
    women’s aid
    0208 558 1986
  • Men's advice line
    0808 801 0327
  • Broken Rainbow
    (LGBT)
    020 8539 9507
  • Elder abuse
    0808 808 8141
  • Childline
    0800 1111
The Reducing the risk website is hosted by:
Oxfordshire County Council, County Hall, New Road, Oxford OX1 1ND
reducingtherisk@oxfordshire.gov.uk