This small-scale independent evaluation of the Safe Landings programme demonstrated that this course was highly acceptable to the women participating in it and appeared to have positive sustained effects on their well being. Longitudinal quantitative data suggested substantial improvement in the women’s self-esteem, self-efficacy and sense of safety and a complete removal of any feelings of responsibility for the domestic violence experienced. Substantial improvement in the mother’s perceptions of the extent to which their children were at risk of social and emotional problems was also shown. The qualitative data strongly supported these quantitative findings and showed the women’s increasing confidence in their right to, and chance of, a more positive future for themselves and their children. In particular the women’s voices demonstrated an increased understanding of the effects of domestic violence on their children and a new confidence in their parenting skills in relation to this. The women were wholly positive about all aspects of their Safe Landings experience, with the inclusion of the children on the programme being greatly valued. If the promising findings from this small evaluation were maintained over a large-scale experimental study, such considerable positive effects would represent important public health gains with consequent savings to the public purse.

All women participating in the evaluation stated the course had been extremely helpful for both themselves and their child.

Self-esteem of participants increased by 52%

A 77% reduction in women blaming themselves for the violence they experienced, with all women strongly disagreeing that the violence was their fault 5 months after the group ended.

Women reported spending more time with their children and actively listening to their children after Safe Landings, including their older children who didn’t attend the programme.

Before Safe Landings, four of the eight children participating scored as ‘at risk for social and emotional problems’ on the Ages and Stages Questionnaire for Social and Emotional development, with a fifth very close to the cut-off. None of the children were found to be at risk 5 months after Safe Landings ended.

“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