Domestic violence and abuse is a gendered issue. Statistics show that most domestic and sexual violence is committed by men, even though most men are not violent. It also shows that women and children are most likely to be victims. This is reflected in our every day work at SAFE.
Today SAFE continues to provide vital services for those affected by domestic violence and abuse working out in the community, in schools and from the SAFE hub, as it's called by staff and volunteers.
You May Also Consider (Sponsored)
Are You Thinking of Online Therapy? Start Here to Get Matched with a Licensed Therapist Right For You.
Therapy with No Waiting Rooms or Driving. Take a quick quiz about your preferences and needs and get matched to a therapist in as little as 48 hours.
Have you been in therapy before?
Services Offered
Counselling
The consequences of experiencing domestic violence and abuse are many - depression, anxiety, feeling powerless, loss of self-esteem are just a few. We are here to listen, help and support you.
SAFE's counselling provides a confidential, safe and regular space for you to talk about any difficulties and explore your thoughts and feelings.
We offer subsidised counselling which is based on ability to pay. The sessions will last for an hour and should ideally take place weekly.
Our team of counsellors, who are either qualified or trainee counsellors, have also been specifically trained to understand the causes and effects of domestic abuse.
All our counsellors are members of The National Counselling Society (NCS) or The British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP) and follow their counselling ethical guidelines.
SAFE is an organisational member of The National Counselling Society and we work to their ethical guidelines.
Children and Families
- We use age appropriate art, play and other activities to enable children to safely share their experience of violence and to understand, manage and share their concerns, feelings, strengths, goals and needs. - We focus on a child, young person and family's strengths to build resilience and reduce stress. - We help parents re-establish routines and age appropriate boundaries, often disrupted due to violence in the home. - We help parents and other adults (e.g. teachers) in a child and young person's life understand child behaviour and distress as normal reactions to abnormal events (trauma) so they can support their recovery. - We work jointly with a child or young person and their parent to strengthen their relationship, often undermined by violence in the home. - We help children and young people explore and understand what healthy and respectful relationships are and where you can get help if you don't feel safe.
Fees and Payment
This is a registered charity
Services Offered To: Adults Teens Children
Special Groups: LGBTQ
Payment: Pro-bono
If You Call, Please Let Us Know How it Went:
Were You Able to Make an Appointment?
One quick last question. Who was seeking counseling today?
Do you know the reason they are not accepting clients?
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.