Supporting the Needs of Women Suffering Mental Health Problems Due To Domestic Violence

One of the most devastating life events that can impact on a women's mental health is experience of violence and abuse. The stresses and anxiety which many people experience in an abusive relationship can be reflected in a range of emotional and psychiatric problems, Domestic Violence has consequences for their physical and mental health. Women are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and psychosomatic symptoms. Women who experience Domestic Violence are more likely than non-abused women to use mental health services, or report depressive symptoms. A refuge environment in itself can have a further detrimental effect on women's mental health.

Mental health problems are nearly four times more common among hostel residents than in the general population and 1 in 5 homeless people have severe mental health problems. Those problems are likely to have played a significant part in the circumstances, which caused that person to become homeless. The Department of Health Document on women and mental health 'Women into the mainstream', highlights the frequency with which experiences of violence and abuse lead to mental health problems, the document also points out that there are a lack of services that respond effectively to this need. As Domestic Violence is a significant factor in the development of mental ill health and physical ill health, the Haven feels it has a duty to address this issue head on.

As the women's Strategy Implementation Document points out, that it is evident women suffering Domestic Violence, may also self-harm, and have depression and who may be also given a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. There may be more between these symptoms than divides them in that they are all secondary symptoms of primary distress in lives and experiences of women suffering Domestic Violence.

Although specific forms of mental distress need to be addressed separately e.g. self-harm, eating disorders, it is important to recognise their inter-relationship. The document goes on to say; 'There can be a tendency in the mental health system to make arbitrary divisions between them, which can result in the origin of women's mental health difficulties becoming obscured.'
More than 50% of women users of mental health service have experienced Domestic Violence. Histories of violence and abuse are very common among women users of mental health services. Violence and abuse are not asked about or detected by mental health or other practitioners and women are rarely asked about their experiences. Services need sensitive exploration of abusive experiences and addressing, their serious consequences for women's mental health are fundamental to the delivery of appropriate care. Many refuge organisations and outreach services already undertake mental health support work, which often go un-recognised.

The majority of women who have mental ill health are mothers and they need tangible and sensitive support to continue to care for their children while they are experiencing mental health problems. Having mental illness does not necessarily mean that the women are not going to be good parents, therefore furthering the need for the development and support of The Havens New Women's Hostel 'Pearl House'. We are working in partnership with Focus Housing and developing a refuge to support women suffering mental ill health as a result of Domestic Violence. The Refuge will have 10 family units including a disabled unit, with communal non-smoking and smoking lounges, kitchens, and a large play room, there will also be rooms for therapeutic activity and counselling. We have secured capital and revenue funding for the development of 'Pearl House' and we are on track for Focus Housing to commence the development on site soon.

The Haven aims to raise awareness amongst both the Mental Health and the Domestic Violence Sectors, the interlinking nature of these two areas of work, and look for positive and creative ways for us to work together and provide more effective services for the Women and Children.

Michaila Tope (Refuge Services Manager)

Women's Mental Ill Health Strategy Day

On 1st July 2004 a number of women gathered at The Lighthouse, Wolverhampton to promote issues around women's mental ill health. Both Sarah and I helped to facilitate the day, prepare the venue and support facilitators in the various group workshops.
The 4 main elements targeted for the day will help develop and form the local women's health strategy;
(1) Health Promotion
(2) Addiction issues
(3) Women with children
(4) Daycare
Women who attended were encouraged to sign up for one of the groups and their input was recorded, information gathered was used to feedback to the whole group which then will be fed back to the strategy meetings. The day highlighted diversity within women's mental health needs.
As well as attending work shops with various facilitators there was also time to relax at therapeutic sessions which included aromatherapy, massage and poetry readings from service users. External organisations gave presentations on their particular services, Sure Start, Horizon House, Awaz and input from The Haven and its development in supporting women and children experiencing Mental Ill Health as a consequence of Domestic Violence. Information relating to issues surrounding mental health including self harm, dual diagnosis etc. was also provided on the day.
The day was brought to a close with 'belly-dancing' of which 15 women joined in, we were shown several moves and all really enjoyed the dancing and music in a relaxed and safe 'women only' space.
The day proved to be a valuable exercise with emphasis on supporting the work being done to promote and change mental health services in Wolverhampton.

HelenKilgallon / Sarah O'Connor

The Haven Summer Fete 2004
£1000 Wolverhampton Primary Care Trust

The Haven organised an event to raise such awareness:
Key Goal
To provide a safe, inclusive and relaxing event for women to explore and find out about issues affecting their well-being, including Mental Health, Domestic Violence, Welfare rights and local services. To achieve this in a celebratory and non-stigmatising way.

When & where
Brickkiln Centre, Cherry Street, Wolverhampton. 22nd July 2004

The Organisers
A committee of organisers, Rani Kaur, Harjinder Khatkar, Eleanor Briton, Pam Soori and Catherine Hartley, from the Floating Support Team.

Funding
£1000 Wolverhampton PCT

Displays
Stalls and displays staffed by local organisations/professionals, offering advice and information about issues and services. The Haven Wolverhampton, Adult Education Services, Wolverhampton Credit Union, The Haven Welfare Benefits Advice stand (Rabia) Leisure Services, Newhampton Arts Centre, Elila and Display on self harm.

Supporters
The day was also well supported by The Haven Staff; the hostel based staff provided food and their time and the Children's workers kept the children amused throughout the day with such things as face painting and a bouncy castle and staff who gave a helping hand to clean up at the end of the day.

Sessions
Throughout the day various individuals and organisations provided taster sessions of alternative therapies including Henna/Mendi, Reiki, Indian Head massage, Hand massage, Make- over and we even had a stall selling Bindis.

Number of Women & Children reached
Over 80 women and 100 children attended the event. Most women attending the day experienced the alternative therapies and chatted to, or sought advice from representatives of various organisations.

Key Achievements
It was great to see so many women from a range of backgrounds, as well as professionals supporting positive messages concerning mental health and well-being. There was no sense of 'labels' hanging over the event - but a safe supportive environment …even for women wanting to access information on serious issues affecting their lives. The event enabled a wide range of women who would not necessarily otherwise meet each other to experience alternative therapies, access information, and explore issues affecting their well-being in a safe and positive way, and to find out about support services that could be useful to them.
Through planning and co-ordination for the event, organisations were able to share information and strengthen local partnership working.
The event raised awareness among women and professionals about the links between Domestic Violence and mental health issues, and reinforced the need for co-ordinated action and awareness-raising.
A huge thank you is extended to the committee for all their hard work and commitment to making the event successful. Also, big thanks to our funder - Wolverhampton PCT, Haven staff and other organisations that helped and supported the day.
Thanks everyone

Summer Programme: Children's Workers Planning for the Summer Play Programme began way back before schools broke up with the children included in selecting a theme which would provide fun, learning, participation and exploration. The agreed theme was The Great Outdoors - Animals and Nature and Constructive Play including activities which involved physical, cognitive, emotional and social development.

Day trips to Animal Farms and the Zoo were a big hit, especially with the younger children and the exploration of nature found in the park versus nature in the forest provided huge amounts of fun for all. Home made picnics went down a treat; the children loved the great outdoors. On the less sunny warm days a host of activities included Schemes (joining/wrapping/making things move), Home economics, Energetic/exploratory play, Imaginative/ Creative Activities, Constructive play and life skills. These again have been very constructive enabling interaction and expression with many works of art produced for our lively play rooms.

A huge thank you to all our supporters for helping us make a difference to the lives of resident children throughout the Summer Holiday, your kind donations resourced many outside activities which otherwise could not have happened.

And not forgetting our young single women and mums who also benefited from the vast amount of arts, crafts, wool and needlepoint goods that arrived to while away the long light evenings, this has been a hugely successful activity, we look forward to seeing gifted artwork as a result.
Thank you.

Developing Partnerships

Focus Futures have been involved in a development partnership with The Haven for a number of years. Together we have developed a number of hugely successful projects, and are now looking to build on our relationship with the development of Pearl House.

We feel that in partnership and collaboration with The Haven, that we have achieved an exceptionally well designed building that will be economical to run, and provide a structure that will aid the exceptional management skills and experience of The Haven staff.

The project, which it is hoped will be complete in Autumn 2005 will provide two disabled flats, two x one bed flats and seven x two bed flats. All flats will incorporate a sitting area, bathroom, bedroom and 'kitchenette' area. Communal areas are to include a smoking and non-smoking lounge, internal and external play areas for the children and a kitchen/dining area that will include four kitchens, one of which will be for disable use.

Pearl House has been 2 years in design, in order that the final scheme will provide a safe, secure, comfortable environment for women who are fleeing domestic violence that may also be homeless and have mental health issues.

Lisa Mason
Focus Housing Association Ltd.

Going to the Zoo with The Haven,
A zoo sounds good, sounds exciting,
I like animals and the rides are inviting,
Jasmine (7).

I want to go to the zoo,
'Cos I want to see the tigers, lions and bears too,
I love it at Sandwell too,
Thank you, we love you!
Connie (8)

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