When the Person You Love Was Abused (Free - Manchester)

Family members, partners and friends can provide vital support for individuals who have experienced abuse, neglect and other adverse adult and childhood experiences. However, knowing that someone you care about has been hurt may leave you feeling overwhelmed. Often both survivors and their supporters struggle with their feelings in the aftermath of their experiences and it can take some time to learn how to respond. This can be especially difficult as survivors often struggle with communication and trust, especially in close relationships. It can also be difficult for supporters to understand the impact trauma may have on an individual’s mental and physical wellbeing. Levine (2015) states that trauma shocks the brain, stuns the mind and freezes the body; it interrupts the connections between systems of functioning in the brain. In this workshop participants will:

• Develop their understanding of trauma, the stress response and the impact of trauma on the brain and the ways individuals cope with trauma.

• Learn how to use trauma-informed skills within their relationships.

• Develop their ability to support their loved one to cope with distressing memories, flashbacks and dissociation.

• Understand that recovery is possible.

The workshops will be interactive with time to make comments and ask questions.

This workshop is free. There is a £1.00 booking charge.

Who should attend?

Partners, family and friends of adults who have experienced any form of childhood or adult trauma and/or abuse such as emotional, physical or sexual abuse, neglect or domestic violence. All attendees should be 18 and older.

Following from the feedback we received from the previous courses we run we want to offer the opportunity to continue working with us after the training to build a self-led trauma informed Family & Friends of Survivors Peer Support Group. This would create a free space of continued support for family members and friends. However, there will be no pressure for you to join that second part.

Self-Care:

Delegate’s own self-care is emphasized throughout this workshop. If you are in doubt as to whether this course is appropriate for you, please discuss with us in confidence.

About Greater Manchester Rape Crisis (GMRC):

GMRC began over thirty years ago as a feminist collective responding to the needs of women who shared their experiences of sexual violence. GMRC is now a registered charity providing vital services for women and girls throughout Greater Manchester, and beyond. As a feminist organisation GMRC strives to make a positive difference in the lives of women. We support any woman who has experienced sexual violence at any time in her life for as long as necessary. We also work to challenge the myths that surround sexual violence.

Host or Publisher Greater Manchester Rape Crisis