At the last Write to Heal Course, there were many women who were experiencing domestic abuse. Journaling  helped them to process their thoughts: reflecting on what has happened in a more objective way. The experienced Advocate was able to help them to work through their issues.

Interestingly journaling enabled them to take necessary steps to change their situation. But what is the role of a Domestic Abuse Advocate?

A domestic abuse advocate is a professional who supports and assists individuals experiencing domestic violence. Their role involves providing emotional support, information, and resources to help victims navigate their situation and make informed decisions. Key responsibilities of a domestic abuse advocate include:

1. Crisis Intervention: Offering immediate support and safety planning for individuals in crisis.
2. Emotional Support: Providing empathetic listening and counseling to help victims cope with their experiences.
3. Resource Connection: Connecting victims with essential services such as legal assistance, housing, healthcare, and financial aid.
4. Safety Planning: Developing personalised safety plans to ensure the victim’s immediate and long-term safety.
5. Advocacy: Representing and advocating for the victim’s needs and rights within various systems, such as the legal system, social services, and healthcare.
6. Education: Informing victims about their rights, available options, and the dynamics of domestic violence to empower them to make informed decisions.

Domestic abuse advocates typically work in shelters, non-profit organisations,  hospitals, and other  They play a crucial role in supporting victims’ journeys toward safety and recovery.

Based on feedback from our previous Write to Heal sessions, we will be aiming for a Women’s Empowerment Hub. 85% of people who attended the session were women and 75% of women had other support needs, of which included, housing, immigration, benefit advice and unemployment.

If you would like to know more about The Eden Jar Workshops, volunteering or working in collaboration, please contact us.