Is domestic abuse trauma stopping me move on?
If you feel like trauma from an unhealthy, toxic or harmful relationship is stopping you from moving on with your life, it may be time to commit to overcoming the hurdles you’re facing, so you can heal.
By taking action, you can move towards a brighter, happier future, free from the fear of abuse. If you don’t think you deserve that kind of life – or you don’t believe it’s possible after everything you’ve been through – we’re here to tell you this: it IS possible and you DO deserve it.
We are MyCWA, a domestic abuse charity which has helped thousands of adults and children break the cycle of abuse since we were founded back in 1977. We’re now working with domestic abuse survivors throughout the UK through our online domestic abuse recovery programme.
Keep reading to find out more.
Recovering from a toxic or abusive relationship
Step Forward to Recovery is a self-paced online recovery programme for UK domestic abuse survivors. Developed by MyCWA in close collaboration with survivors (who are all at different stages of their recovery journeys) the course is easy-to-follow, insightful and highly effective at helping survivors heal.
what I learnt:
“Understanding, awareness and self esteem. Also knowing what support is available and recognising things like red flags.” – Step Forward participant.
Step Forward to Recovery – programme content:
If you’re a domestic abuse survivor looking for support in your recovery, you’re in the right place. Click on the module titles below to learn more about our Step Forward to Recovery programme.
-
In this section, we’ll introduce you to the programme, giving you important information about what to expect, keeping yourself safe and looking after your emotional wellbeing. We’ll also introduce you to the recovery journal, which you can download.
-
This module is designed to help you keep yourself safe online, in your home and out in public – as well as looking after your mental health and wellbeing.
-
This section covers history, research and the models we use to support you. In gaining an understanding of domestic abuse, you’ll be able to validate your experience, which is such an important part of recovery.
-
This module is important when it comes to helping you and your children recover from your experiences and rebuild your lives. We discuss communication, healthy parenting, the impact of domestic abuse through the life stages, and activities you can carry out with your child/children.
-
In this section, we provide you with an overview of the different types of behaviour that can be present in someone who causes harm. We describe how you might feel in different situations and we discuss behaviour change options available for people who use harmful behaviours.
-
The final section of the programme contains a variety of activities for you to complete; around topics such as setting boundaries, spotting signs and red flags, and understanding relationship values – with emphasis on self care and reflection.
SELF-CARE:
Contains helpful self-care activities for you to carry out before you move on to the next section. Self-care is extremely important in recovery from domestic abuse, so we encourage you to prioritise it throughout the course.
“It has helped me to identify the signs of an abusive relationship. And where to go if I need support in the future.”
How will Step Forward to Recovery help me?
Developed by experts at MyCWA in collaboration with survivors who truly understand what’s needed to support recovery – Step Forward is an easy-to-follow, self-paced programme that’ll help you heal and move on from domestic abuse.
Learn at your convenience
We’ve designed the programme with convenience in mind. There’s a mix of videos, images and activities developed with reflection and self-care in mind.
Following a warm welcome from Saskia (our CEO), you’ll explore five in-depth modules that will guide you through every step of your recovery. This isn't just learning – it's a supportive journey towards a brighter future.
Grow your support network
As part of the programme, we’ll invite you to connect with others who've been where you are through our Facebook peer support group – a safe space to share, uplift and be understood.
Discover practical tools & techniques that have been tried & tested by other survivors. Step Forward isn't just about your recovery now; it's about building healthy relationships for the future.
Create a happier, healthier future
You’ll also learn to prioritise self-care, creating a personalised safety plan that’s tailored to your own needs. We’ll focus on your safety & wellbeing from start to finish.
Step Forward to Recovery is based on real expertise – the perfect blend of historical knowledge & research to validate your feelings and light the way forward. We’ll guide you through your journey toward healing, empowerment and a brighter, happier future.
How can I sign up for the programme?
There are different options for signing up, depending on where you live.
FREE domestic abuse recovery course in Cheshire East:
If you’re in Cheshire East or elsewhere in Cheshire, you may be eligible for free access.
We work in partnership with Cheshire East Council, so you can access our services – including Step Forward to Recovery – free of charge if you live in Cheshire East. Contact the Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Hub (CEDAH) to enrol: 0300 123 5101
IMPORTANT: this version of Step Forward to Recovery is specific to Cheshire East and references local services throughout.
If you don’t want to register via hub, you can pay for Step Forward to Recovery (cost: £89) , but this is a nationwide version of the programme, so it doesn’t contain references to local services.
Online Domestic abuse recovery course in Cheshire (Halton, Warrington and Cheshire West):
We have a bursary scheme for people living outside of Cheshire East who can’t afford to buy the course, which is £89, so please fill in the contact form below if you’d like to apply.
Online domestic abuse recovery course UK
For instant course access, you can purchase the programme for £89 by clicking on the button below. Use the contact form further down the page if you would like to apply for a bursary.