An online domestic abuse recovery programme
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 and highly effective at helping survivors heal.
We’ve designed the programme for use by:
Survivors: anyone who needs help recovering from an unhealthy or harmful relationship (past or present)
Professionals. For example:
Local authorities looking for an affordable, effective supplement to face-to-face support
Charities and not-for-profit organisations who want to signpost survivors to a reliable support service
Employers developing company benefits packages and/or employee wellbeing schemes
Schools and universities who want to enhance their pastoral care provision for pupils and parents
Whether you’re looking for help for yourself or on behalf of the people you work with, Step Forward to Recovery will help you:
Understand what domestic abuse can look like
Explain the impact domestic abuse can have on those who experience it
Provide practical support for processing trauma and moving on.
I’m a survivor
I’m a survivor looking for help recovering from an unhealthy, toxic or abusive relationship.
I’m a professional
I’m a professional looking for help supporting the people I work with who might have been affected by domestic abuse.
“Understanding, awareness and self esteem. Also knowing what support is available and recognising things like red flags.”
Programme content:
Whether you’re a domestic abuse survivor looking for support in your recovery, or you’re a professional supporting survivors and want to access the programme for your own clients, click on the module titles below to learn more about Step Forward to Recovery.
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In this section, survivors are introduced to the programme and given an overview of what to expect: keeping yourself safe and looking after your emotional wellbeing. They’ll also be introduced to the recovery journal and be able to download it.
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This module is designed to help survivors keep themselves safe online, in their home and out in public – as well as looking after their mental health and wellbeing.
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This section covers history, research and the models we use to support you. In gaining an understanding of domestic abuse, survivors’ experiences are validated, which is such an important aspect of recovery.
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This module is important when it comes to helping adult survivors and their children recover from their experiences and rebuild their lives. We discuss communication, healthy parenting, the impact of domestic abuse through the life stages, and activities survivors can carry out with their child/children.
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In this section, we provide survivors with an overview of the different types of behaviour that can be present in someone who causes harm. We describe how survivors might feel in different situations and we discuss behaviour change options available for people who use harmful behaviours.
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The final section of the programme contains a variety of activities for survivors 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 THROUGHOUT:
Each section contains helpful self-care activities for survivors to complete before they move on to the next module. Self-care is extremely important in recovery from domestic abuse, so we encourage survivors 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.”
Domestic abuse recovery programme for survivors and professionals
Click on the images below to find out more about Step Forward to Recovery – including online sign up and more about supporting colleagues and your community with their recovery.
I’m a survivor
I’m a professional