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Learn to Live Again: A Pilot Study to Support Women Experiencing Domestic Violence

Author

Listed:
  • Jacqui Cameron

    (School of Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
    Department of Social Work, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Delia Rambaldini-Gooding

    (School of Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Kirsty Vezinias

    (School of Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia)

  • Brooke Smith

    (School of Social Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia)

  • Maria Corsiglia

    (Barnardos, Warrawong, NSW 2502, Australia)

  • Sarah Beale

    (Barnardos, Warrawong, NSW 2502, Australia)

Abstract

Purpose: The prevalence of domestic violence is increasing, and it is becoming more common for women who have experienced domestic violence to access support programs in their community. Learn to Live Again (L2LA) is an eight-week therapeutic program facilitated by Barnardos, which is provided through community support services in NSW, Australia. The program is designed for women who have experienced or continue to experience the traumatic effects of family and domestic violence. Methods: The pilot study involved collecting survey data from former participants and semi-structured interviews with current participants and facilitators. Data collection occurred between June and August 2023. Data collection included both face-to-face and online versions of the program. Results: All participants reported positive experiences of L2LA. The main benefits of the program for participants included connecting with women in similar situations, learning skills and strategies to cope with their experiences, sharing their lived experiences of domestic violence, and reconnecting with their children. Facilitators also had positive experiences of facilitating the program and observing the positive changes women experienced. Although, challenges were also identified and included managing the group dynamics, small group sizes, and managing trauma experiences in a group setting. Conclusion: The results indicate participants as well as facilitators had positive experiences of L2LA. Participants valued the program and felt that it helped them to begin the healing process and improve their overall wellbeing. Women were very passionate about recommending the program to other women. Facilitators observed many positive changes in the women throughout the program. However, L2LA challenges included the small group size, managing the dynamics of the group, and the range of trauma within the group as well as children being present. A larger evaluation of this program is required to confirm these findings.

Suggested Citation

  • Jacqui Cameron & Delia Rambaldini-Gooding & Kirsty Vezinias & Brooke Smith & Maria Corsiglia & Sarah Beale, 2025. "Learn to Live Again: A Pilot Study to Support Women Experiencing Domestic Violence," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(5), pages 1-22, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:5:p:714-:d:1647694
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. repec:plo:pone00:0231373 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. María Crespo & María Arinero & Carmen Soberón, 2021. "Analysis of Effectiveness of Individual and Group Trauma-Focused Interventions for Female Victims of Intimate Partner Violence," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-18, February.
    3. Kimberley Anderson & Elisa Van Ee, 2018. "Mothers and Children Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence: A Review of Treatment Interventions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-25, September.
    4. Zhaohui Su & Ali Cheshmehzangi & Dean McDonnell & Hengcai Chen & Junaid Ahmad & Sabina Šegalo & Claudimar Pereira da Veiga, 2022. "Technology-Based Mental Health Interventions for Domestic Violence Victims Amid COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-11, April.
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