Exeter Women's Aid

Pattern Changing

Pattern Changing courses

This course runs for 2 hours a week for 14 weeks and is a group work education programme, which covers a variety of areas, such as human rights, impact of abuse, difficult childhood issues, dealing with anger, assertiveness, boundary setting and healthy relationships. It gives the time and space for women to discuss their abuse with others in a supportive environment, to learn assertiveness skills and self-confidence and to move forward in forming new and positive relationships with family and new partners.

The course is facilitated by both Refuge and Outreach workers. We can make contributions towards travel and child care costs and the course itself is free.

We receive positive feedback from the women completing this course. Pattern Changing is also gaining a high reputation among the different agencies working to combat domestic violence and abuse who value and recognise its worth.

"I hope many other women who have suffered domestic violence get the opportunity to do this course, it will bring a completely new and positive outlook on life and they will value themselves as an equal to all other human beings."

"Pattern Changing has helped me to believe in myself much more. It has been incredibly useful sharing feelings and experiences with others who understand. I shall miss seeing everyone when the course has finished. It can change your perspective on life and how you fit into it. GOOD LUCK!"

"I have found the course really helpful and look forward to coming each week. I only wish I had the opportunity to do such a course before I got into this bad relationship. It’s a great idea to do the course when you are young. The course has made me feel so much better about myself."

"I was worried about going into a large group. This has been OK as there is no pressure to speak if you do not want to."

"Worried about the cost - but because childminding is covered and I was not made to feel uncomfortable asking for payment I was able to attend."

"I don’t feel guilty about leaving, it had to be done. I am more positive and assertive. I put myself first more and don’t feel the need to run around after everybody and do everything myself."

"I’ve completely changed relationship behaviour. Totally let go of the abuser and have not jumped straight into another dysfunctional relationship which was my previous pattern."

"I have learnt how to be a happy person, I have also learnt how to survive on ones own."

"Feel more empowered."

"Made me more aware of my own needs and how to deal with situations differently. Have made my boundaries which has helped me get on better with my children."