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‘I needed to continue my life after leaving my husband and be able to talk to other women from domestic violence situations. I needed to be happy again.’ – Participant, Learn to Live Again*
Barnardos Learn to Live Again, supports women and their children who have experienced domestic and family violence (DFV). The program focuses on building social connections, supporting healing, and strengthening families. By helping women and children find safety, they feel empowered to rebuild their lives with confidence and support.
Barnardos Learn to Live Again plays an important role in recovery, particularly through the power of shared experience. Participants consistently highlight how hearing the experiences of other victim-survivors creates insight and understanding:
“to hear some of the stuff that they had been through, even though I had gone through almost the same, for some things in particular, hearing it come from somebody else, gives you a different kind of empathy to reflect on yourself.” – Participant 1 (online)*
Through the sessions provided, women can relax, reflect, and process their experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Building connections and knowing they aren’t alone can be just as important as practical support.
DFV often leaves victim-survivors’ with diminished self-esteem, making self-reflection and recovery challenging. With time, patience, and skilled support, women can begin to shift their thinking:
“. . .it really helps when you’re stuck in a mindset, and someone will say something or bring it out in a different way and change the way you think about it” – Participant 3*
Strengthening self-esteem not only benefits the mothers themselves but also supports them in being the parents they want to be.
Barnardos walks alongside women as they rebuild confidence, recongise their resilience and strengthen their relationships with their children. We couldn’t be prouder of our teams delivering this vital service.
*Learn to Live Again: A Pilot Study to Support Women Experiencing Domestic Violence, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2025
