Pattern Changing

This course has been developed to help women who have experienced domestic abuse but are not currently in an abusive relationship to build their confidence and self esteem.

Many women who attend Pattern Changing have already participated in support groups or other forms of support and are addressing their primary concerns of keeping themselves and their children safe. It is only then that women are able to look at ways to actively make positive changes in their lives.

Pattern Changing is primarily an education course undertaken in a nurturing, supportive group environment. Underpinning the course is the fundamental belief in basic rights for everyone, an understanding of and ability to set boundaries and the development of assertiveness skills to ask for the rights and to protect the boundaries.

The focus of Pattern Changing is on the victim herself and the power she possesses to change the course of her life. This focus is essential in helping women to build the energy and motivation they need to break out from negative patterns and choices.

Who is it for?

Pattern Changing is aimed at women who:

• have suffered domestic abuse who are not currently in crisis
• recognise they are trapped in abusive situations that they wish to be free of
• are willing to look at themselves in terms of their vulnerability to abuse and be prepared to take steps to alter their behaviour and attitudes to affect change
• are willing to commit to a 12 week course

Pattern Changing is designed to help women understand:

• domestic abuse
• how it has affected their lives
• how they can regain power and choices in their lives
• what their future options are

Pattern Changing is a 12 week course and aims to:

• break patterns of behaviour which lead to returning to an abusive partner or entering a new abusive relationship
• break the cycle of abuse
• change negative lifelong patterns to positive ones
• provide support and encouragement to make the changes
• help women to re-enter work, training or education

What Pattern Changing is not

Pattern Changing is not a support service for victims of domestic abuse nor will it support women in crisis or at high risk of harm. Victims needing support should make contact with outreach and other services available to them in Dorset. The course requires a big commitment to attend all sessions and before anyone attends it is important that they understand the patterns of abuse in their lives and are determined to break away from these patterns. This will be assessed prior to anyone joining a Pattern Changing course. The Pattern Changing course will be of no benefit if the victim is not willing to change their behaviour. Women who have already completed the Freedom Programme can also attend Pattern Changing.

Course dates

Children Services deliver Pattern Changing across North Dorset. Contact 01305 224310 for more information.

Paragon also deliver Pattern Changing virtual workshops for people living across the Dorset Council area. This includes Pattern Changing course for men who have been affected by domestic abuse. Contact details below. 

Contact details