8th September 2010
Women who experienced domestic abuse report how work was an escape for them – unique research report launched today
Work is a vital escape for women who have experienced domestic abuse. This is according to research launched today by the DAWES project, a domestic abuse project in Greater Manchester. The research was conducted amongst women who had accessed their services in order to remain in employment. Survivors of domestic abuse recounted in their own words how work was a lifeline. Claire Faichnie, who undertook the research, said, “Many of the people we spoke to during the research were struggling to remain in work in the face of the chaos caused by domestic abuse. The support and advice they received from the DAWES project with their problems at work was unique and irreplaceable."
A woman who had taken part in the research told of her need to stay in employment whilst dealing with the traumatic experience of domestic abuse, “My work was my escape as it was the only place I could be myself”. She also spoke of her struggle to retain her job during the abuse, a career in nursing she had dedicated many years to, “I had never been in trouble at work… my whole career was now hanging by a thread”.
Another service user wrote her reflections of her experience through poetry which illustrated the emotional turmoil. These poems and further information can be seen on the new DAWES website (www.dawesproject.org.uk).
The DAWES Project is the first of its kind in the country, supporting women workers across Greater Manchester who experience domestic abuse and encourage employers to develop policy and good practice for these workers.
Emma Raymode, the DAWES Project worker said, “This research demonstrates the need for our service, as women desperately try to maintain financial independence, and often established careers, which given the right support, can help them to rebuild their lives following the devastation of domestic abuse”.
For copies of the report and further information about the DAWES project contact Emma Raymode on 0161 839 3236 or contact@dawesproject.org.uk
