An Abergavenny-based charity organisation which helps women who have been victims of domestic abuse are running a new course that helps support victims to regain ownership of their lives.

Cyfannol Women’s Aid is Gwent’s leading provider of specialist support services for people who have experienced Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence.

The Own My Life course is an innovative, creative and educational 12-week course for women.

It can be delivered online or in-person and supports women to regain ownership of their lives when they have subjected to abuse or violence by a partner.

This is done through training practitioners to run the course with women and using short videos, structured discussions, group and individual activities, and a comprehensive learning journal.

The course uses multimedia content to explain complex concepts about trauma and abuse in easy-to-understand video clips, along with videos that explore themes such as disrespect in relationships, abusive behaviour, sexism and misogyny. Each week of the course covers a specific topic, with the first week looking at why abuse exists so victims can recognise and acknowledge what’s happened in the past.

Following the conclusion of the 12-week course, those participating in the course are then given the option of running an additional six-week course led by themselves.

The Own My Life groups provide a safe space for women to meet together to complete the course.

The course was written by Natalie Collins, herself a victim of domestic abuse, who now speaks and writes on understanding and ending gender injustice nationally and internationally.

Jackie Phillips is a Support Worker at Cyfannol Women’s Aid in Abergavenny and works as a facilitator on the Own My Life courses.

Speaking about the course, Jackie said: ““We’re very proud to offer the course, it can be a real lifeline for people giving them a safe environment around people who have been in similar situations and understand what someone is going or has been through.

“Being online the course is accessible and available to everyone, and it is amazing to see the strength of these women as they become more confident and empowered to speak up, which is exactly what we are trying to do with these courses.”

Feedback on the course from those taking part has been positive, with one course-member saying: “I find the courses a huge support, and are a great way to stay focused and share what we all may be feeling and recognising so we are better able to support others in the group.”

With Covid restrictions and lockdowns exacerbating the issue of domestic violence, one of the aims of the course is to make victims aware that their office doors are now open for anyone who wishes to seek support or help.

Monmouthshire Service Manager, Rachael King said: “For a lot of victims the last 18 months would have been very difficult with more hours spent on home, and whilst we have always been accessible via phone or social media, now restrictions are ending we are able to physically see people and speak face-to-face.

“We often find that victims find it easier to walk into one of our offices on the spur of the moment to speak to a member of our support staff, and we are actively encouraging that now.”

Abergavenny Town Mayor Tudor Thomas has been so impressed with the work done by Cyfannol Women’s Aid in the last few years that he decided to choose the organisation as one of his chosen charities for his mayoral term.

Mayor Thomas said: “I am really glad that I chose Cyfannol as one of my three charities - it does some incredible work to help people in abusive relationships.

‘‘When I was Deputy Mayor I attended a presentation evening to present awards to young men and boys who had been physically and mentally abused by their fathers.

‘‘Cyfannol had organised a mentoring scheme to rebuild the boys’ confidence and self-esteem.

I was so impressed by this scheme that I determined then to choose this charity as one which I would support if I became mayor.

‘‘There has been an increase in domestic abuse caused by the Covid lockdowns and families having to spend more time with each other locked up at home. I certainly think that this new online training facility is a very good idea.’’

The Abergavenny branch of the charity even hope to organise a coffee morning in the town in the near future to allow people to drop in and chat to members of staff.

Cyfannol Women’s Aid have an office situated on Monk Street which is open Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 4:30pm.

A 24-hour helpline open seven days a week is also available.

Victims of domestic abuse can call anytime and receive immediate support, with the charity open to referrals and one-to-one support from staff always available.

For more information on the charity please visit their website www.cyfannol.org.uk, or to get in contact please email [email protected] or ring the ‘Live Fear Free’ helpline on 0808 8010800