Support for Female Offenders

Experiencing abuse can play a part in offending behaviour. Abuse impacts everyone differently but it can lead to difficulties with communication, interpersonal and problem solving skills, antisocial attitudes, and can leave someone feeling hopeless. We know that women in the criminal justice system have different needs than men, and need a different response. Over 57% per cent of women in prison report having been victims of domestic violence (Prison Reform Trust, 2017) and over 53% of women in the criminal justice system experienced abuse as children. Unsurprisingly, 49% of women in prison suffer from both anxiety and depression and significant numbers misuse substances. In order to respond to women, we need to understand their lived experience and the impact of any trauma. We recognise what has happened to women instead of asking what is wrong with them, for instance we seek to understand why a woman is using substances and provide trauma informed responses to empower her with alternative coping strategies and the support she needs.

How we Support

We work to empower women, to work alongside them building skills to help them on a journey to recovery and independence and to reduce re-offending. We work alongside Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk and BeNCH CRC's to provide services and therapeutic programmes to women in the community and on release from prison. We provide holistic support to help bring about positive change, reduce substance misuse, improve emotional health and well-being and prevent future re-offending. We also provide a safe place for women to meet with their Responsible Officer (RO) within our women’s centre – The Rosie Centre.

How do you Access the Service?

We work in direct partnership with Essex and BeNCH CRC and receive referrals via this route.

Our Gateway service is open 24/7 - please call us on 03301 025 811 to discuss the support available in your area.

Latest

Therapeutic Support

What is Therapeutic Support? We understand that survivors of domestic and sexual abuse can benefit from therapeutic support. The types of therapeutic support that we provide are all evidenced to aid recovery from trauma and are listed below.
Women's Centre

In 2019 we opened Rosie Centre - the only Women’s Centre in Essex. There is something quite unique about the Rosie Centre, it's more than a building, it's a woman only safe space. The work at the Rosie Centre places the woman at the centre of support and allows a response to the realities of women's experience which is crucial for both physical and psychological safety.
Outreach

The Safer Places outreach teams are made up of professional staff offering short to medium term support to women and men affected by domestic and sexual abuse in the community. Our teams offer information, advocacy and specialist services to increase safety and meet a range of needs – these can include ongoing safety concerns, emotional or housing support, legal options, reporting to the police, help around child contact, access to benefits and financial advice.

Are you in a trauma bond?

A blog post about trauma bonds from Lexie - Safer Places' Children and Families Worker
Level 3 Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA)

Each year more than 100,000 people in the UK are at imminent risk of being murdered or seriously injured as a result of domestic abuse (Safe Lives, 2015). The IDVA course designed for professionals working with families affected by domestic abuse. This qualification will enhance professionals’ practical knowledge, improving the response and ensuring the safety of victims and their families.
J9 Initiative

The J9 Domestic Abuse Initiative aims to raise awareness of domestic abuse and assist survivors to access support safely by training professionals and members of the community to recognise domestic abuse and respond to survivors. Once J9 trained, the J9 logo is displayed, letting survivors know that they have a safe place to access information and use a telephone to contact support services.
Work With Us

At Safer Places, our team are our most important resource and a real asset to us. Having a highly competent, survivor focused, experienced and resourceful team is key to delivering a high quality service. We are proud of our team and our organisational culture is really important to us. Working for Safer Places is no ordinary job. Every role in our organisation plays a part in delivering on our Mission. We work hard to create an environment that inspires and empowers staff to give their bes
Level 3 Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA)

The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) 2022 estimate that 2.3% of adults aged 16 years and over were victims of sexual assault (including attempts) in the previous year. This course will build your skills, knowledge, and confidence when supporting victims of sexual abuse including victims from reporting through to the court system.
About our Training

At Safer Places we have a range of training courses and qualifications available, from short 3 hour sessions to Level 2, 3 and 4 accredited qualifications.
Contact Us
Accommodation

Safer Places has 8 refuges across Essex and Hertfordshire, including specialist therapeutic refuge spaces for women with multiple needs and women with no recourse to public funding. A refuge is a temporary safe home where survivors of domestic abuse and their children can stay. It is staffed by experienced and dedicated support workers who provide individual client led support and help survivors find new safe accommodation. Our accommodation includes a combination of self-contained f
Mission and Values

Vision Safer Places vision is a society where everyone lives a life free from fear and abuse
Help in a Crisis

If you or your children are in immediate danger, call the police on 999. If you are not in immediate danger and would like to talk to us about your options, call our helpline on 03301 025811. We will provide you with the support and information you need to consider your options and decide what to do to improve your safety and that of your children.