Domestic abuse is a subject close to the heart of Gosport and Fareham Soroptimists and because the club has
supported the two local refuges for many years members know a great deal about the important service they provide to the community.
But it was enlightening to hear quite how comprehensive a service is offered in a talk by Claire Osborne, project manager for Fareham and Gosport Family Aid (FGFA), an organisation that has been running for 25 years.
Her commitment to providing help and support for women and children affected by domestic abuse shone through her talk. “We’re incredibly passionate about caring for those in need,” she said.
As well as Gosport and Fareham, the group covers Winchester and Whiteley. “If we see a need we do our utmost to help.”
She explained that abuse was not just physical. It could mean being kept without money, for example. FGFA had recently started supporting men and that they had seen an increase in the number of women being assaulted by their own children, usually teenage sons.
“In some cases, daughters are violent as these children practise learned behaviour,” she said.
As well as two refuges with room for nine women and up to 21 children, FGFA works in schools from primary to secondary to educate boys and girls on healthy and equal relationships.
Over the past few years the average stay in a refuge had increased from four months to ten and a half due to housing issues. “If a refuge is full we can liaise with Women’s Aid throughout the UK to find suitable accommodation,” said Claire.
They run a Power to Change empowerment programme that teaches clients their rights and encourages them to take control of their lives. One recent success helped a 74 year-old woman to leave a “controlling” relationship that had lasted for decades.
“She’s happy and free for the first time,” said Claire, pictured, talking to acting president Rosemary Coward.
They also operate a Service User Panel where former users of the service have come back to help by giving invaluable information based on their own personal experience to get changes made where needed.
FGFA offer support to children in line with their needs and there is a Crisis Drop-in Service to give advice and guidance to anyone seeking support.
They collaborate with many other local agencies so that they can get the best possible outcome for clients.
With effect from 1 April 2015, Hampshire County Council will be changing the way in which domestic abuse services will be managed across the county. Consequently, the services currently provided by Fareham and Gosport Family Aid will be provided by Southern Domestic Abuse Services (SDAS). FGFA staff will be transferring to SDAS on 1 April and although, inevitably, there will be some changes in the way in which services will be provided, it is hoped that there will be a ‘seamless transfer’ as clients and professionals, at least initially, will be dealing with the same staff in the Fareham and Gosport areas. FGFA as an organisation will continue and are exploring other opportunities.
Claire was thanked for her talk by club member Rosemary Bell and given a cheque for £25. Support from organisations such as Soroptimists helped to keep them going, said Claire.