Anyone done the Freedom Programme?

[MoonshineWashingLine]

I'm starting it next week, was wondering what to expect? If anyone has done it I'd really like to hear about your experiences and how it helped you. I feel a bit weird about being in a room full of people and having to talk about my abusive ex partner...!

Hi not sure if its the same thing but I done a 4 week program about domestic abuse with wa? If its that it raises your awareness of da of all types and I wasn't asked to specify my experience though I did at times through choice.
For me my ex was ea to me and my son but never violent and not controlling in particular so my main issue is/was I feel like a fraud when you see/hear of the violence others have experienced but it did help me and even now I get realisations that some things he did were abusive.

I run a Freedom programme, have done for 3 years.

Please don't let your fear overcome you, that is what your abuser would have wanted.

Be bold, reclaim your voice and grow.
I've had women who haven't spoken a word the whole programme, but I know from them sticking it out that they're learning and healing.

It can be harrowing hearing others detail their experience, but there's a huge amount of unity that comes from realising you're not the only one who's had such experiences.

It's a group setting, but it isn't school, no one will ask you to talk unless you want to.

PM me if you want more info, or contact the leader of your group in advance if you want 1-1 advice before joining group.

Thanks for the advice, I'm definitely going to go, was just curious as to what to expect. One other thing that's concerning is that ex-p usually sees dd 2 mornings a week and I'm not sure what to tell him when I say I'm not free on that particular day for the next 12 weeks...! I might just have to lie and say I've got physio sessions or something! :/

You don't have to give an exp any explanation of where you are. Just that you are not free!

You definitely need the program if you are still having to explain yourself to an ex.

I did it online and it was a lifesaver.

I did my first session last week. I'm really glad I got onto it because it's giving me focus and the camaraderie is great - good luck X

Oh this is interesting, I've seen the Freedom Programme advertised and I'm seriously considering doing it. I've not been in an abusive relationship but my ex partner turned out to have a lot of issues and also committed a criminal offence against me and I'm finding it hard to let go so I think it would be useful for me. The only problem is, I work shifts which means I won't be able to go every week so I don't know how that would work? I guess I'll just have to miss parts of it.

Yeah, I don't usually explain myself to him but if he asks I wouldn't know what to say. I'm a terrible liar! He would know instantly if I was covering something up. I guess I'll just have to say I'm not free and its none of his damn business as to why not...

Maybe you could try the online one Pandora? I rang the local women's aid and also the health visitor put me on to this one so maybe speak to someone and see what they recommend. Good luck :)

Pandora I don't know about every place that runs it, but I know that if I have dedicated women who need to miss a few weeks I try to catch time to do a summary at least, or a 1-1 session.

I did it a couple of years ago, and pennies are STILL dropping.

It was a huge part of turning my life around. 2 years on I'm still absorbing some of the messages. Recovering from DVA isn't going to be quick, and the 12 week course won't 'fix' it but it will sure as hell help.

I hope you enjoy it and meet some great women. I know I did. x

Thank you Moonshine and ROAR it's through my university, I'm sure they must have some students who do work placements like I do and have to work shifts so I shall email them and ask.

I did it and am so glad I did. You don't have to say anything about yourself if you don't want to. The first few weeks I sat silently terrified of speakng about anything in front of the group but by the end I felt like a new person, my confidence grew loads and I met some lovely women.

Thanks for all the positive stories, I think it will help me a lot. :)