THE Island’s only independent domestic violence charity has changed its name to “include everyone in the conversation” and reflect the “breadth” of its work within the community.
Jersey Women’s Refuge will now be known as “FREEDA: Free From Domestic Abuse”, with the rebrand announced at a 35th-anniversary event held at the Royal Yacht Hotel yesterday evening.
FREEDA works both to protect individuals fleeing from domestic abuse – and to break the cycle of abuse through prevention and education programmes.
The charity provides emotional and proactive support in the community and in their safehouse while undertaking outreach and prevention activities in schools, health settings and workplaces.
Lisa Leventhal became the chief executive of the charity in February. She said it had been a “milestone year” for the organisation, with the opening of a larger safehouse in July.
With its accessible facilities, the new safehouse now allows the charity to cater for Islanders with disabilities, those with pets, or with older teenage sons up to the age of 18 (in a self-contained flat), something which was not possible before.
Speaking to the JEP, Ms Leventhal said the rebrand was a further step towards making the charity “as inclusive as possible” by “including all Islanders in the conversation”.
She continued: “We are trying to consciously learn and understand why domestic abuse happens. We can’t do that unless we hear how all genders feel about it and help each other to understand how we make positive changes.”
Ms Leventhal added: “When Jersey Women’s Refuge was established 35 years ago, in the face of many barriers, it provided a fantastic and critically needed service for Islanders. Since then, it has become so much more than just a safehouse. We are so incredibly proud to be providing support when women and children need it most, in the safehouse and in the community, but to also actively undertake work to educate and prevent abuse happening in the first instance.
“Jersey Women’s Refuge had organically developed and we needed a brand that reflects the breadth of our work. FREEDA actively engages all genders within the community, knowing that the conversation around domestic abuse must include everyone in order to make progress.
“We are able to provide professional support to individuals experiencing financial abuse, or those who need access to legal support within the in-house legal and financial clinic.”
Terry Morel, who chairs the FREEDA committee, said: “We understand that the cycle of domestic abuse often begins long before women require or request our safehouse services and that the legacy impact on those affected, including their children, can be devastating and long-lasting.
“FREEDA’s organisational aims and objectives have broadened extensively to reflect this.
“In attempting to break this cycle, it is critical to change the lives of those people who may live in fear and feel isolated from family and friends. If you know of someone who needs help, do not hesitate to call us at FREEDA.”
THEN AND NOW…
FREEDA, previously known as Jersey Women’s Refuge, was founded in 1986 by Rozelle Sutherland, with support from Soroptimists International of Jersey, and opened its safe house in 1988 to provide a safe place for women and children who are victims of domestic abuse.
Now, FREEDA employs 16 staff members including bank staff support workers who are trained and experienced in supporting women and children who have experienced abuse. The organisation is also assisted by seven volunteers.
FREEDA’s support staff are qualified as Domestic Abuse Prevention Advocates and Independent Domestic Violence Advisers.
FREEDA will continue to provide all services, including 24/7 safehouse access. The emergency contact number remains the same – 0800 735 6836.
The charity has unveiled a new website that includes further information: freeda.org.je.
