Congratulations to SI Poole, Purbeck and District for winning the Delegates Choice Award for their ‘Fresh Thoughts’ booklet providing information for victims fleeing domestic abuse.
Launched 27/10/2023
The initial aim of the project was to provide a response to questions that survivors in the refuge had about their situation. Individual members researched those areas of concern and consideration was given to developing a booklet. The front cover was designed by the club. The content was checked by experts and trialled with our Local Authority, Citizens Advice and the DA Forum. A member produced a bid for the PCC who funded the printing and two launches supported by all members.
The booklet is transforming lives by providing accurate, local information relevant to the needs of victims, allowing them to make informed decisions about their future. A survivor has stated they wished they had this booklet when they were in an abusive relationship. It is being widely used by professionals who report that the presentation and format of the booklet makes it user friendly. In addition, the booklet is being used as a training tool within advice services to improve understanding.
The Club designed and wrote a booklet to provide information for women who are fleeing domestic abuse. It provides practical information about online personal safety, going to court, financial assistance, housing advice and the contact details of support agencies. Then we organised a launch event which was supported and attended by the Police and Crime Commissioner, Michael Tomlinson KC MP, and the High Sherriff of Dorset.
The Club have regularly supported their local refuge and realised through discussions that victims had little information about what was going to happen next – particularly in relation to legal aspects of their situation. They subsequently researched what information would provide the most appropriate advice and who, in the club, would be able to provide that knowledge and experience. The overall aim of the booklet is to educate, empower and enable victims to move forward with their lives.
We identified members with expertise to ensure the content was accurate, members proof-read the pages, advised on language, and lobbied the Police and Crime Commissioner for financial support and subsequently worked with a local printer to design the artwork and print the booklet. We contacted providers of support to DA victims to review the content and confirm that it would be a valuable resource. We then had several thousand booklets printed. A suitable location was booked to hold the launch event, guest speakers confirmed, invitations designed and sent out and packs containing the booklets were prepared for each organisation attending. At the event roles were assigned to members of the club to ensure the event ran smoothly.
About 60 people attended the launch and approx 1200 booklets were distributed together with information about the club, a feedback form and an order form. The booklet was very well received and many of the organisations have already started using it. Other SI clubs have shown an interest in introducing a version adapted for their area and their feedback has been very positive.
Quote from a Beneficiary: Citizens Advice DA lead I have been using your booklet along with a colleague which we have found extremely useful. It is very informative and easy to read and refer to! Kimberley Wilson-White DAA supervisor at Dorset Police this is a very useful booklet I will certainly be referring to this with my victims.
The professional content of the booklet has strengthened working relationships between Soroptimists, local authorities, primary care hubs and charities providing domestic abuse services. The booklet provides ongoing opportunities to raise the profile of Soroptimism and the work we do in relation to Educating and Empowering women.