Preliminary findings from assessments conducted at the start and end of each group revealed notable patterns of improvements across all key areas. The data indicated an increase in women’s self-esteem (43.5% average increase) and their sense of self-efficacy (18.3% average increase). Simultaneously, their feelings of shame decreased (36.6% average decrease). The women also reported an enhanced perception of their access to safety strategies alongside a significant reduction in self-blame for the abuse they experienced (92.6% average increase). In regard to children, measures indicated a decrease in concerns related to their social and emotional wellbeing for the majority of the children (improvements noted for 77% of the children with an average decrease in scores of 25.1%).

 These findings were further substantiated by qualitative feedback gathered from the women, programme facilitators, and practitioners working with the families, including staff from the nurseries the children attend and those who had referred the families to the programme. The data derived from these diverse sources revealed consistent themes regarding outcomes for the women which included enhanced confidence, strengthened parent-child relationships, reduced self-blame, a heightened sense of validation and empowerment and a cultivation of their inner strengths. Themes which emerged in relation to outcomes for the children highlighted increased opportunities for play and mother-child bonding, and noticeable improvements in communication, emotional regulation, social interactions and overall confidence.

85% of families who came to a session completed the programme.

For mothers, on average:

o   self-blame decreased by 92%

o   shame decreased by 36%

o   self-esteem increased by 43%

o   self-efficacy increased by 18%

For children:

77% of children under 5 saw improvements in their social-emotional and communication development, regardless of whether they were the child who attended sessions with their mother.

The average decrease of scores on the Ages and Stages questionnaire (socio-emotional development) was 25%.  A higher score means more concerns.

Feedback from mothers and referrers all noted improvements in the mother-child relationship.

“Her daughter seems more settled and the parent has been able to move on with her life and take decisions around employment and training”—Employment officer

“For the women: I have noticed that they became more confident; they feel they can share their experiences with people that have similar experience to theirs; they meet new people and start friendship; it helps them to settle in the area; they also engage better with other services offer to them; more motivation; they are more committed to keeping them and their children safer. And sometimes this is the only commitment outside the refuge that they have motivation to go. For the children: They become more confident…they feel calmer; express themselves better; some learn how to say new words; more sociable; less distressed.”—Refuge worker

Feedback from participants has been very positive thus far, and is linked to several themes.

Improved relationships with children

Mothers feeling cared for

Improvement in mother’s mental health

Mothers would recommend the group to others