What is
Safe Arbour?

Safe Arbour is a trauma-informed education and support group based in the UK for women and their children (ages 0-5) who have experienced domestic abuse, and no longer live with the abuser.

Safe Arbour meets once a week for 12 weeks during term time, and includes a group outing during half term.

We recognise that the aftermath of domestic abuse persists long after families leave the abuser. The isolation, shame, and strain on the mother-child relationship often create a vicious cycle that time alone is unlikely to heal. The aftermath of domestic abuse is like a snake bite, removing the snake is not enough, an antidote is necessary to rid the family system of the toxins.

Safe Arbour disrupts this cycle by removing the barriers women with young children face when seeking help. We offer a trauma informed environment for mothers and children together, and apart.

Women have the opportunity to connect to their children, to other survivors and to the strengths and skills they already possess.

Children have the opportunity to connect to explore, play and make friends and make a mess, which supports their ability to manage their emotions, communicate, and gain social skills.

Mothers and children learn to safely separate and reunite, which expands both of their horizons.

Safe Arbour recognises that what makes each person unique makes them uniquely resilient, and strives to be an anti-discriminatory organisation.

Women, referrers, and nursery staff report that Safe Arbour increases mothers self-esteem and belief that they can keep themselves and their children safe,  improves the mother-child relationship, and boosts children’s  social emotional development and communication skills.

You can find their quotes about the programme and the results of an independent evaluation in the impact section.