Date: 14/10/2008
Hundreds of women and children across the High Peak are able to break free from the shackles of domestic abuse each year, thanks to the help and support of Glossop Women's Aid.
Founded almost three decades ago, the voluntary organisation -- which receives financial backing from High Peak Borough Council and several other major funders -- is working to end domestic violence, which currently affects one woman in four at some stage in her life.
The 10-strong team offers a range of community-based services, including outreach work, flexible 'floating support', children's aftercare and counselling, as well as running a refuge for women and children seeking safe, temporary accommodation and practical help to get their lives back on track.
"Domestic abuse is a crime, and takes many forms, both physical and mental," said services manager Ishbel Cooke. "It is a very serious problem -- nationally, the police receives a call for help every six seconds, and two women are killed each week, as a result of it.
"Women, who are subjected to it, often develop eating disorders and resort to self harm. It also has a huge impact on their children, leading to behavioural problems, poor health and low achievement at school.
"While much of our work is reactive, in response to specific problems and incidents, we also get involved in preventative work with a range of partners, such as the health service, social services, education and the police, to try and stop it happening in the first place.
"One of the most recent initiatives is a new multi-agency group that meets regularly to assess high risk cases of domestic abuse. We share information and discuss ways in which we can offer help and stop things getting to the stage where women are at risk of being seriously hurt or even killed."
Women are referred to Glossop Women's Aid from a variety of sources, ranging from the police and doctors to schools and mental health teams. Some women self refer, and the support given is tailored to suit individual circumstances.
"Our outreach workers help women -- who are still living with a partner, who is abusing them -- meeting them at secret locations in the community to offer advice and help and discuss what their options are."
Ishbel added: "Some women feel they can no longer cope with the situation they are in and need to get away, and our refuge offers a temporary sanctuary, where they and their families can relax and make key decisions about their future.
"We help the women work through problems, such as depression and alcohol dependence, and create a relaxed, secure environment where their children can thrive again. It's all about rebuilding their self esteem."
The refuge was founded 25 years ago and is housed in a building, provided by High Peak Borough Council at a "peppercorn" rent.
Running costs are paid for by the Derbyshire Supporting People partnership, a government programme that aims to help vulnerable people live more independently. Partners include High Peak Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council's Children and Younger Adults' Department.
Five families or single women can be accommodated, and a maximum of 10 children taken in at one time. Facilities include a communal lounge and kitchen, inside and outside play areas for young children and a den for older children to make it feel as much like home as possible, while women and their children take stock and get their lives on a more stable footing. Children are also enrolled at local schools, to foster a sense of normality and continuity.
While at the refuge, women have the opportunity to follow the Freedom programme, funded by the High Peak Community Safety Partnership, to enable them to stand back and analyse both their partner's behaviour and their own.
"It's been very informative for me, a real eye-opener," said one resident, currently at the refuge, who did not wish to be named. "It's helped me take a step back and realise that my ex-partner used to hurt my children to hurt me.
"Being here at the refuge, and taking part in the Freedom programme has helped me an awful lot. I was a broken woman, feeling so emotionally and physically down, but this is helping me recover my strength and get back on my feet.
"I've also noticed a big difference in my children -- their general behaviour is better, they're less defensive and much more relaxed and outgoing, now they're not repressed any more. They're also enjoying school and starting to look forward to the future again."
Help doesn't cease when the women and their children leave the refuge.
Women's Aid workers work with them, out in the community, to support them as they adjust to their new life. They are also encouraged to join the Cameo self-help social network, which meets regularly for lunch and to enjoy craft and social activities.
"We are very grateful to all our funders and partners for working with us and helping us to combat this serious social problem, which blights so many people's lives," said Ishbel. "With their help, we can continue towards achieving our aim of ending domestic violence towards women and children and create a better quality of life for all."
Anyone wanting to contact, or find out more about Glossop Women's Aid, can call 01457 856675, email gwa@f2s.com or visit www.glossopwomensaid.org.uk (external website**).
Photos: Glossop Women's Aid service manager Ishbel Cooke (right) and community support officer Tracey Collins, of Derbyshire Constabulary, chat with one of the residents at the refuge.
**Please note: High Peak Borough Council is not responsible for the content of any external websites.