The Voice Programme
VOICE stands for Victims of Intimate Coercive Experience and is a ten-week intervention for victims and survivors of domestic abuse, coercive control and the behaviours that create the dynamics of intimate partner relationship abuse.
The VOICE Programme was written in response to the feedback of victims and practitioners, and seeks to provide an inclusive environment to illuminate the behaviours of domestic abuse and coercive control both in situ and post-separation. It has a heavy focus on highlighting the impact of trauma and enables victims/survivors to develop self-care and self-regulation techniques. Themes of intersectionality are threaded throughout the programme and digital technology as a tool to perpetrate abuse is also considered throughout.
For more information on the VOICE Programme, please visit: https://voicepartnership.com/
Frequently Asked Questions – VOICE Programme
What is the VOICE Programme and what does it seek to achieve?
The VOICE Programme is a ten-week intervention for victims and survivors of domestic abuse, coercive control and the behaviours that create the dynamics of intimate partner relationship abuse. It aims to:
- Provide victims/survivors of domestic abuse with a safe, supportive and friendly environment to process their experiences
- Validate victims/survivors’ experiences of abuse
- Allow victims/survivors to recognise the broad spectrum of abusive behaviours and the process of dismantling that a victim/survivor experiences
- Give victims/survivors the opportunity to build connections with other victims/survivors and reduce isolation
- Illuminate abusive behaviours in situ and post-separation, with a focus on how digital technology is a mechanism to perpetrate domestic abuse
- Provide relatable psychoeducation on trauma and equip participants with tools to employ self-care and self-regulation
How are the groups structured?
The VOICE Programme focuses on a different theme each week to illuminate tactics of abuse, and the behaviours that create the dynamics of intimate partner relationship abuse. This is achieved by drawing upon a range of different learning styles, including: open discussion; self-reflective exercises; visual media; and active participation.
There is a heavy focus on the impact of trauma, and self-care/self-regulation tools are outlined and practised every week.
The VOICE Programme can be delivered virtually or face-to-face, or in a group or 1:1 setting.
What is the VOICE Programme’s eligibility criteria, and are there any contraindications that would mean that the VOICE Programme is not the appropriate service right now?
- The VOICE Programme is for any person who has experienced domestic abuse. It can be delivered to all survivors and victims, inclusive of the LGBTQI+ community
- In light of our current virtual offer, the VOICE Programme is being delivered by the Early Years Alliance as a recovery piece of work only. That is, the Early Years Alliance is delivering to those victims and survivors where separation has occurred and where the alleged perpetrator is no longer residing in the family home
- Due to our current funding streams, the EYA offer is for parents
- Note: attendance must not be mandated as part of a statutory CSC response. Rather, it is a voluntary piece of work that the victim/survivor must wish to participate in – it is their choice
We, as a service, are committed to ensuring that victims and survivors of domestic abuse receive the right support at the right time so please email enquiries@lewishamcfc.org.
Are you currently delivering virtually?
Yes. The VOICE Programme can be delivered virtually. We have ensured that the necessary precautions have been taken in order for delivery to take place safely online.
Should attendance be mandated as part of a statutory response?
No. Attendance should not be mandated as part of a statutory response. It is the survivor/victim’s choice to attend – they must do so voluntarily.
