Wiltshire charity launches unique support service for abuse survivors
FearFree's RISE programme will offer long-term help for those affected by abuse
A charity in Wiltshire has launched a first-of-it's-kind support programme for people recovering from domestic abuse.
FearFree has created the RISE (Rebuilding Independence through Empowerment and Support) scheme, which aims to provide survivors of abuse long-term, personalised support as they recover from their experiences.
"Everyone hears about that first stage of first people making contact or first people fleeing abuse, but the effects are lifelong," said charity CEO Claire Marshall.
RISE has been made possible thanks to £706,659 of funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, which FearFree was granted in December 2023.
When escaping abusive relationships, survivors can find themselves displaced from their homes as well as forced to leave jobs or education, meaning they need to start their life over again.
And this, along with the impacts of the trauma suffered, can leave a person affected low confidence and anxiety for a sustained period of time.
But RISE seeks to change that by supporting domestic abuse victims beyond the crisis point.
Claire said: "A lot of their independence would have been taken away, as well as their confidence.
"So the process is rebuilding their skills and their confidence and really empowering them to resume their life and to fulfil their dreams that they may have had for their life and for their family before abuse."
A unique support service
Research by the charity suggests this is the first scheme of it's kind.
Other programmes provide a six-week course, many aimed at supporting women.
But RISE is all-encompassing, open to all genders, survivors and perpetrators and to children older than 15. It will operate across the South West in Wiltshire, Devon, Bristol and Gloucestershire.
Clare told us it was crucial to take a holistic approach.
"Many people who harm have been abused themselves or have come from a family environment where those behaviours have been indoctrinated or they've been witnesses of abuse," she said.
The charity's mantra is to 'Break the cycle of abuse', which means supporting abusers too.
"It's really important that the abusers learn new behaviours and rebuild their lives too, so that they can be, you know, perform a meaningful role in society and go on and live an abuse free life themselves and understand meaningful relationships," Claire said.
Excitement to inspire others to find help
Claire told GHR that the team at FearFree are 'excited' to deliver the new programme, hoping it inspires more people to get help or escape abuse.
"We couldn't be more excited because there are there's going to be more good news stories as well of seeing people recover.
"And that will inspire other clients to come forward and think, 'that could be me, I could rebuild my life, It's not an impossible task and there are people out there like fear free who can help me'," she said.