Next Step More About

1) Advocacy

This is designed to:

• Help you develop your own safety plan.
• Signpost you to other specialist services to increase your safety - counselling, housing, legal and refuge services.
• Give advice on criminal and civil remedies available to you.
• Keep you up to date with court proceedings.
• Attend court with you.
• Explain some of the legal jargon and processes.
• Work with other agencies to help increase your safety.
• Inform you of your options if a case does not proceed to court.
• Ensure agencies work together to help to keep you safe.

2) Your location

Calls taken from time to time by Next Step, the voluntary organisation offering free support to victims and survivors of domestic abuse in South Derbyshire, have suggested that people think location is an issue when it comes to getting help.

But wherever you are in the district, help is available.

Outreach work to rural areas, the availability of an Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) and telephone support means that Next Step gets to parts other organisations do not reach.

The role of Next Step is to provide and co-ordinate support and services to anyone in South Derbyshire affected by domestic abuse, including family members and friends of victims and perpetrators.

It is there for everyone, including those who don't live in the towns or large villages of the district.

3) The Freedom Programme

The Freedom Programme is open to any women who wish to learn more about domestic abuse. Perhaps you or someone you know has experienced violence in the home but has never had the chance to talk about it? Maybe you want to support a friend, relative or work colleague who is in this situation. This programme will help you understand more about domestic abuse.

It aims: to help women understand the beliefs held by abusive men; to recognise which of these beliefs are shared by society; to explore the effects of domestic abuse on children; (See Childrens Information) to have better understanding about healthy relationships; to help women feel better about themselves and build confidence to improve the quality of their lives; and to introduce women to local resources within the community.

The programme runs for two hours a week over a period of 12 weeks and is completely free of charge. Contact Next Step for further details.

Domestic abuse - it can hit anyone