Basildon Womens Aid was formed in 1977. The Refuge works with women and their families who have been the victims of domestic violence. It provides refuge accommodation to 28 families, 12 in the main refuge and 16 in second stage move-on flats. It also has a drop in centre at Parklands offering advice, support and training to circa 100 women per week.
At the refuge group work is carried out with an emphasis on supporting and empowering clients to take responsibility and make positive changes. They encourage assertiveness and build self-esteem through relaxation, basic skills and IT training, 1:1 counselling, CV writing, debt advice and other self help group activities. The activities enable women to move on with their lives after the trauma of domestic violence.
In this clip, Anne Hibbett of Basildon Womens Aid introduces Kathy, a previous client. She talks passionately about her personal experience of an abusive relationship and the great help that the Womens Aid service provided.
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