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Contact Us:

Our Domestic Violence project is open Mon-Fri 9-5pm however we do have a 24 hour answering service. Please contact Joanne on 0121 440 7000 or Susan on 0121 446 5384 (Chinese Women’s Project).

What support do we provide?

This project provides support, advocacy and befriending for all women, who have experienced domestic violence at some point in their lives. There is a particular focus on Black and Minority Ethnic women and Chinese women. At WAITS, we recognise that although a woman may have left an abusive partner they may well suffer the effects of that relationship for the rest of their lives.

Support & Development services for Women and Children.

Our support workers aim to help women and young people who have experienced domestic violence to rebuild their lives. They do this through:-

• One to One Support
• Advocacy and Advice
• Support Groups
• Befriending
• One to One support
• Free confidential counselling by our on site counsellor.

One to One Support.

• Appointments are on a one to one basis with an option for home visits.
• We help you implement a personal development plan by using goal setting targets that helps women to identify what choices and decisions to make.

“You’re not expected to go it alone;
we remain with our clients every step of the way”

Advocacy and Advice

We support women on a variety of issues:-

• Supporting women to find safe accommodation
• Legal and matrimonial issues
• Welfare benefits issues
• Housing
• Children’s education

What is Domestic Violence/Abuse?

The Government defines domestic violence as "Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality." This includes issues of concern to black and minority ethnic (BME) communities such as so called 'honour killings'

Statistics.

• Domestic Violence statistics can be hidden as many crimes of violence still go unreported to the police.
• In 9 out of 10 cases, children are in the same or next room when abuse takes place.
• Between 30-66% of Domestic Violence incidents include child abuse.
• 1 in 4 women will experience some degree of violent abuse by her partner in her life. At least two women a week are killed by their former or currant partners. (Home Office 2000).

FACTS about Domestic Abuse/Violence.

Who is Affected?

• Married couples.
• Cohabiting couples.
• Ex-partners.
• Children/young people.
• Relatives.
• Disabled and mentally ill individuals.
• Travelling individuals and families.
• Gay couples/men/and the employed.
• Affects every class/race/culture/religion

What does it mean to be abused?

• Intimidation.
• Threats.
• Manipulation.
• Isolation
• Locked in
• Financial depravity.

How does it make abused women feel?

• Frightened.
• Degraded.
• Unable to make decisions.
• Trapped.
• Isolated.
• Ashamed
• No hope
• Loose the will to live.

Some of the Tactics of Perpetrators.

• He or she refuses to let you have friends
• They may keep you from seeing your friends
• They may stops you from leaving the house without a valid reason
• They make you afraid by what they say (e.g. threaten you.)

Support  Groups

 “Taking time out to look at what you want to achieve”.  

WAITS Support group was set up to combat isolation and to support each other by sharing experiences in a safe and confidential environment.

• Survivors and women experiencing domestic abuse/violence meet fortnightly on Mondays from 12pm – 1.30pm.
• The aim of the group is to promote domestic abuse/violence awareness to agencies the public and influence policy makers.
• The group is strictly safe and confidential.

Young Peoples/Schools Programme.

This project focuses on raising awareness and preventative education around domestic abuse issues to young people in schools and youth groups.

It includes life-skills workshops that will consist of self-awareness and creative activities which will help prepare young people to make positive changes in their lives.

Befriending and Counselling Projects

• The befriending project is a new initiative that is aimed at volunteers that want to support women that are experiencing or surviving domestic abuse.
• Volunteers will receive full training and an induction pack.
• Volunteers are encouraged to commit to working with women for at least six months, as consistency is vital to a women’s moving on process and recovery.

If you are interested in being a domestic violence befriender, please download the attached application form and return it to us.

Counselling Service.

We provide a free counselling service that gives you the chance to talk privately and in confidence about anything that is worrying you.

• Counselling is free and confidential to all women 18 years and over.
• Each session is usually a maximum of 60 minutes.
• The first appointment will be an assessment where we will explore what you hope to gain from counselling and if it will benefit you.

If you feel you may need counselling please contact Joanne on 0121 440 7000.

Visual Evidence for Victims Project.

In Partnership with Birmingham’s  Community Safety Partnership and Victim Support, WAITS has a trained worker in Visual Evidence. Victims will be able to record photographic evidence so that you have the proof to take to court at a later date.

Some women that have suffered violence do not choose to report their injuries to the police for whatever reason. However they may be willing to have their injuries recorded by another agency like WAITS.

If you have been injured or your property has been damaged, there are many reasons why you might not want to take legal action straight away.

Evidence is then stored for future use or if the woman chooses to press charges later on when ready to do so.

WAITS will:

• Ensure sensitivity
• Treat you modestly and value any decision you make.
• Will keep your information confidential.
• Secure your photographs in a locked cupboard, until you want to use them or have them destroyed. (photos are held for 6 years maximum.)

What Kind of evidence can be recorded?

Polaroid instant cameras are used to record injuries to people and damage to property caused by Domestic Violence, Racist Crime and Homophobic Crime.

Physical Injuries.

• Bruises
• Cuts
• Scratches
• Swelling
• Pulled out hair.

Property Damage.

• Broken Windows
• Damaged doors
• Dented Car
• Graffiti etc.

Training and Empowerment Workshops.

Training and empowerment workshops are offered to women who are interested in enhancing their inner strength and potential. Programmes are usually run for six weeks and last for up to 1 hour 30 minuets.

Typical  workshops include:

• Confidence Building
• Life skills
• Self-esteem, Self-image and Self-awareness.
• Assertiveness Awareness
• Personal development
• Stress Management
• Domestic Abuse Awareness.

Women are encouraged to take control of their lives so that they have the ability to enrich their children’s lives.

If you would like more information on our latest programme of workshops, please contact Joanne on 0121 440 7000.