Have Wings Will Fly: True Stories of Domestic Abuse Survivors Book

Knowle West Domestic Abuse Project is a community outreach project based in South Bristol, serving Knowle West and the Marksbury Road area of Bedminster. The project was set up in May 2004 as a direct result of statutory and voluntary agencies, local residents and survivors, coming together to try and tackle the high level of domestic abuse in the area. The Knowle West Health Association (KWHA) is one of the longest running voluntary agencies on the estate; managed by a board of local residents to protect, preserve and promote good health in the area, they were an ideal home for the domestic abuse project. KWHA are the agency that manage and develop the projects work, with short term government regeneration funding (now managed by Saferbristol). The Knowle West Domestic Abuse Project has two full time caseworkers who are trained Independent Domestic Violence Advisors, they offer two types of service to people affected by domestic abuse in the area: the short term crisis response is designed to practically support people at highest risk of significant harm, and is focused on reducing that risk. Also provided is a longer term outreach service, this is open-ended and client-centred to offer emotional and practical support and information. This support is offered through one-to-one sessions, group chill and chat sessions, or the Freedom Programme (more info at the end of the book). We also run an informative and up to date website, support young people at a local comprehensive School, and are one of four agencies that provide independent support at Bristol's Specialist Domestic Violence Court (more info at the end of the book). We also run raising awareness campaigns for local workers and residents, training days, and volunteer opportunities. In 2006 the Knowle West Domestic Abuse Project was shortlisted for the Emma Humphries award for the quality of work we do with survivors of domestic abuse.Read More