Support with relationships:

However your relationship with a partner or family is affecting you, we’re here to help. We can support you to understand how relationships affect you, identify dangerous or damaging relationship patterns and build positive relationships with people in your life.  

Our casework team can work with you on safety planning and leaving a relationship.  

We can also support you with parenting and wider family relationships.  

You do not have to be ready to leave a relationship or to report it to the police to access our support. We will work with you in a way that feels safe and right for you.

Member Art - Stockport Womens Centre

Get Help Quickly

If you are in immediate danger call 999 

For 24/7 advice and support: 

National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247

Calls available 24/7, Message chat hours: Mon-Fri 10am – 10pm 
 

Domestic Abuse drop-in: At our centre every Monday morning, 9.30-11.30am. No need to book – just turn up to register and get support immediately.

Signs your relationship may be damaging:

  • “He tells me I’m stupid infront of his friends.” 
  • “He takes my wages and controls my bank accounts.”
  • “She knows my phone password and I have to let her check my social accounts whenever she wants.”
  • “He threatens me with violence or is violent if I don’t do what he wants.”
  • “She tells me I’m crazy, or imagining things, or over-reacting.”
  • “He makes me send him my location when I’m out and I have to be back at a certain time.”
  • “I have to answer my phone within a certain amount rings.”

These are all signs of emotional or physical abuse and coercive control. Sometimes you may not recognise straight away that what is happening is wrong. We can support you to better understand your relationships and how to make them a positive in your life.  

Shannon’s Story: Overcoming Coercive Control

Watch Shannon’s story to understand how she overcame coercive control. Shannon attended The Freedom Project at Stockport Women’s Centre. The course supports women to recognise signs of an unhealthy relationship and build self confidence and self worth.

How we can help:

One-to-one Support

Our casework team can work with you to explore leaving a relationship safely, making your home safer and managing the emotional effects of abuse or control.

We can also work with you on the practical aspects of leaving a relationships – benefits and housing changes, or navigating custody arrangements.

We can also support you with parenting issues and wider family relationships.

If you’re feeling socially isolated or lonely we can support you to make new friends and find others facing similar challenges.

The Freedom Programme

An eleven-week course for people who are currently experiencing or have left an abusive or controlling relationship. Working in a group with other women, the Freedom Programme aims to help you:

  • Have a better understanding about healthy relationships
  • Feel better about yourself and build confidence to improve the quality of your life
  • Understand the beliefs held by abusive people
  • Recognise which of these beliefs are shared by society – and which of these beliefs you might share
  • Explore the effects of domestic abuse on children
  • Introduce you to other sources of support in Stockport
  • Build a support network of other women who understand what you’re going through

The Voice Programme

A twelve-week programme for women who have experienced domestic abuse and / or coercive control. The Voice aims to help you identify behaviours which are abusive so you can recognise them in future and understand how trauma may have affected you.  The course is a mix of educational awareness and therapeutic activities. It takes place in person at Stockport Women’s Centre.

The course covers works through a number of stages, including:

  • Identification and Awareness – gain an insight into various forms of abuse and controlling behaviours
  •   Education and Understanding – learn about trauma, stress responses, and the dynamics of abuse
  •  Skill-Building – develop coping strategies and self-care techniques to navigate your experiences safely.
  • Empowerment and Support – a supportive environment where you feel empowered to take control of your life.

What’s Next course

This is a four-week programme for women who have already completed The Voice or the Freedom Programme. It is aimed at women who are ready to move forward, focussing on building confidence, independence and employment skills following domestic abuse. Alongside in-person sessions, support is also provided through a WhatsApp group and – if needed – evening sessions over Zoom. 

The Programme focusses on:  

  • Rebuilding confidence and self-esteem  
  • Rediscovering your strengths 
  • Getting ready for employment 
  • Finding volunteering opportunities to boost your skills 
  • Increasing financial independence 
  • Reducing social isolation 
  • Building a positive future