#NoExcuse
Today is the start of the 16 days of activism against gender based violence. This is an annual international event which starts on the 25th November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women), and ends on the 10th December (Hum..
Long time, no see!!
Wow, I don’t really know where to start! I just felt that I should explain my very long absence from this blog and also thank you all for hanging in there and waiting for me. I have spoken before about my health issues so it probably doesn’t c..
Domestic Abuse & Women in Prison
In this blog, I want to shine a light on a subject that is very important to me. Domestic Abuse and women in prison. As part of my role at the National Centre for Domestic Violence, I manage the Prison Partnership. There are 13 women’s prison’s i..
No More Injury Time - Part Two.
For those of you that are interested, here is the video podcast that I filmed last week as part of the ‘No More Injury Time’ Campaign with ‘Four Nine’ and Solace Women’s Aid. Trigger Warning. This podcast contains some pretty graphic ..
No More Injury Time
For some months, I have been involved in the development of a major campaign called ‘No More Injury Time’. In collaboration with NCDV (my day job), Solace Women’s Aid and social media platform ‘Four Nine’, the campaign is to run alongside t..
Guest Blog
Hello Everyone, Yes, you guessed it - I have been in hospital again! So boring, I bore myself talking about it so I won’t! but will apologise for radio silence in the last few weeks. This time, I would like to hand the blog over to one of my su..
Bad Boys!
I went to the cinema last week with my best friend, to see the film ‘Back to Black’. It is a biopic about Amy Winehouse, who, for those of you not in the UK and do not know who she is - she was a famous singer who sadly died of alcohol poisoning ..
Can we end domestic abuse?
I was having a bit of a board storm with my boss at NCDV the other day about our mission statement, which is to make domestic abuse socially unacceptable. I have always preferred this to those that say they want to end domestic abuse because I just d..
Warning Signs.
Here in the UK, just lately, there has been a lot of discussion on the television around coercive control. There is also a storyline on one of the UK’s best loved soap opera’s, Emmerdale, which is focusing on a coercively abusive relationship bet..
Short Prison Sentences = Low Level Offenders???
There has been a lot in the news in the last couple of days about an announcement by the UK’s Justice Secretary, Alex Chalk. This announcement was to say that to try and tackle overcrowding in prisons, ‘low level’ prisoners could be released up..
Jamaica - The Domestic Violence (Amendment) Act 2023.
As some of you will know, Jamaica is a place that is very close to my heart, being my late husband’s heritage and somewhere I have travelled to and stayed many times with my mother in law. I have long been aware that the prevalence of domestic a..
Clapham Chemical Attack - let's focus on what this was REALLY about!!
Firstly, my apologies for the gap in writing. I have been in hospital, but rest assured, whilst in there, I was making notes and thinking about all of you and when I could get back to writing. Thank you for your patience. So, for those of you that..
Time to Talk Day
Time to Talk Day. What is it? I had never heard of it until recently. Turns out, it is held every year and is run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness and is in partnership with the Co-Op. This year it is being observed on the 1st February in t..
Ignoring the Warning Signs
Warning signs. I have been thinking about these a lot lately. What are they? Why do we ignore them? (And we do. We all do at least once after experiencing an abusive relationship). I thought it may be helpful to go through the early warnin..
Happy New Year - Or is it?
Been thinking today and I wanted to share my thoughts with you all. As I took all the Christmas decorations down wondering why the hell I put them up in the first place as I am here on my own! I was thinking, work will be busy this week coming. It al..
The Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO)
The Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO) is a significant legal measure introduced by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 in the United Kingdom. The pilot of the new DAPO is due to start in the New Year in Gwent, Greater Manchester and three of the London ..
Domestic Abuse survivors at 'higher risk of fibromyalgia and chronic fatique.
So, firstly, please allow me to apologise for not being in touch for a while longer than usual. I am ok! I have just been incredibly busy at my day job at the National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV). It is always busy at this time of year. The 2..
Using Child Maintenance to Coerce and Control is now a criminal offence!
The UK government has introduced new statutory guidance about the definition of coercive control. For parents that use child maintenance to control or coerce their former partners, this could now mean facing prosecution. Many of you reading this b..
Prevention is better than cure!
It is something that has come up in so many of my conversations in my work in the last 26 years. And it came up again last week when I was speaking to an old client of mine. It is disappointing to still hear about cases of domestic abuse that organis..
New way to apply for Criminal Compensation.
What is Criminal Injuries Compensation? It is a scheme that gives financial compensation to victims of crime in the UK. This scheme applies to victims of all crimes but includes domestic abuse. If you have been physically injured, a relative has b..
Parental Alienation & The Family Court.
The words, Parental Alienation, appear to be a new thing? Well, new, as in the last three or four years. Before that, I never heard the words when working with victims and survivors of domestic abuse. Now, it is all I hear! I wanted to write about t..
The Rise of Tech Abuse
When I worked in a refuge, we warned all new women coming in to the refuge to call their banks and change their addresses to the PO Box address of the refuge, and if they did not want to do that, not to use ‘hole in the wall’ cash dispensers. We ..
Just the Usual Suspects?! - Personal reflections on domestic abuse following Baby Jacob Crouch’s tragic murder.
Words escape me on some occasions. As we are left to take in the horrific details of Jacob Crouch’s all-too short life, that of a 10 month-old, viciously abused baby boy who was murdered by his step-father Craig, we are left, yet again, with man..
'Sally's Law' - People that kill a partner after years of domestic abuse and violence, will now be treated more leniently under new reforms - named Sally's Law, following the case of Sally Challen.
I can’t remember the exact year but we were living in the flat so it must of been around 1987. I can’t remember the exact time but I know it was in the middle of the night. What I do remember, very clearly is holding a pillow over my sleeping hus..
Kellie Sutton - She must not have died in vain.
*Trigger Warning*: The video contained in this blog contains video and audio footage and descriptive information which some people may find extremely distressing. Please proceed with caution. This is Kellie Sutton. She was a victim/survivor of domes..
Child Maintenance Service clamp down on domestic abuse.
Whenever possible, I like to bring you news of any new laws or changes in legislation which will help and support victims and survivors of domestic abuse. A new law to make sure victims and survivors of domestic abuse can receive child maintenance w..
Reproductive Coercion.
Do you know what Reproductive Coercion is? Have you ever heard of it? Reproductive coercion is a group of behaviours that obstruct decision making in relation to reproductive health. In the same way as other forms of domestic abuse these behav..
Stalking and Cyberstalking - What is the difference?
I am writing this blog on stalking and cyberstalking because a very good friend of mine is being cyberstalked and she hadn’t thought of it as cyberstalking until she spoke to me about it. On my suggestion, she reported it to the pol..
Parental Alienation.
Parental Alienation didn’t use to be ‘a thing’. It seems to me to be in the last 5 or 6 years that suddenly with cases in the family courts that include allegations of domestic abuse, the term ‘Parental Alienation’ is thrown around with aba..
This blog is about Me, Me, Me and all of YOU!
Long blog to follow and you may wonder what the point of it is, but please keep reading! When I started this blog, I promised myself, I would be open and honest with anyone who decided to subscribe and follow me. To be honest, I didn’t think may..
What is Kay's Law?
Kay's Law, also known as the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, is a critical piece of legislation designed to protect victims of domestic abuse and violence. Named in honour of Kay Richardson, a woman who was brutally attacked and eventually died at ..
There is light at the end of that tunnel!
I am always being asked “What do you do for a living?” and when I tell them, they always respond with surprise and say “That must be a very rewarding job?”……….. Ten years ago when I was working as an IDVA in central London a young woma..
Happy International Women's Day
As we celebrate another International Women’s Day, I wondered how many of us know much about it? Well, read on, and you will!! International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global holiday which is celebrated every year on the 8th March. It brings attenti..
Changes to legal aid for people receiving cost of living payments.
When I see that there have been changes to any laws in relation to anything that can help victim/survivors of domestic abuse, I like to share it with all of you. This one is a little late - apologies. On the 10th January 2023 changes were made to en..
Tougher management of most dangerous abusers - will the new laws work??
On the 20th February 2023, the Home Office announced that new measures were being introduced for tougher management of the most dangerous abusers and also new protection for victims of domestic abuse. These new measures form part of the Domestic Abus..
'Whats love got to do with it'? and why I don't like the month of February!
It is a bit of a different blog today folks! I decided to let you all in to a little bit more of my personal life. Why? Because it fits with this blog basically! And I realised yesterday that the vast majority of you lovely people that subscribe to t..
Happy Valley - Not your usual dramatization of violence against women.
Who watched the third series of Happy Valley? I had watched the previous series with mild interest but didn’t really WATCH it if you know what I mean but something about this third and last series got me tuning in every week and getting caught u..
One Bad Apple..... does it spoil a whole bunch??!!
I have watched the news this last couple of weeks with a mixture of horror, alarm and disgust as the case of David Carrick has played out across the news, and media. Another one! Completely agree with the CEO of Refuge, Ruth Davison, when she said in..
The Effects of Domestic Abuse on Children
I think that of all the ways in which domestic abuse can impact people, the damage it can cause in children is the most underestimated of all. We know that 1 in 7 children and young people under the age of 18 have experienced domestic abuse at some p..
Intimate Terrorism.
I heard the expression, Intimate Terrorism, a few months ago. An interesting one isn’t it? When I first started out on my career in domestic abuse, I attended a training course called ‘Domestic Violence - Awareness & Practise’. This was way bac..
Calm Before The Storm!
Ever since I have worked in the Domestic Abuse sector, it has always been the case that Christmas time is generally very quiet at work. Whether you work in a voluntary domestic abuse organisation or a statutory agency, this tends to be the case. But ..
What is Imposter Syndrome
I never knew what Imposter Syndrome was! I had never heard of it until a few years ago. I can relate totally to Imposter Syndrome. I think I have it! What is Imposter Syndrome? 'No More Walking on Eggshells' is a reader-supported publication...
Bonus Blog - New legislation to protect victims and survivors from having private, intimate images shared without consent.
Whenever possible, I try to bring you the latest legislation in relation to domestic abuse. Therefore, I wanted to inform that the government have today, announced changes to the law which aim to protect victims and survivors from abusers who share p..
Three Planets Model
Professor Marianne Hestor, is internationally recognised for her research on domestic violence and abuse. She developed The Three Planet Model to try and explain the contradictions that exist between the law and professional practices. Domestic viol..
The Ultimate Control
I was talking to a client of mine this morning about what I have always felt is the ultimate control used by an abusive partner or ex-partner. Suicide! I have experienced this with women I have been working closely with two or three times and eac..
Giulia Tofana - Serial killer or Heroine?!
I recently stumbled upon the story on Giulia Tofana - an Italian woman living in 17th century Italy and wanted to share it with you. Life for Italian women in the 17th century was extremely difficult and if you happened to be in an abusive marriage, ..
Financial Abuse
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 contains various new measures to protect victims and survivors of domestic abuse. The act makes Domestic Abuse a legal definition and for the first time economic or financial abuse is recognized in law. But what exactly..
Guest editor for November’s edition of Coercive Control Chat
Some time ago, I was asked to be guest editor for the November’s edition of Coercive Control Chat Online Magazine and it took me a lot of work. It is a free magazine raising awareness around coercive control. I chose and interviewed all of the s..
Me & OCD
I didn’t know what Obsessive Compulsive disorder (OCD) was. I had never heard of it. Then one day I was waiting for an appointment in my Doctor’s surgery and was reading though a magazine and came across an article about it. My first thought ..
Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Women
The Barriers to accessing support. Sharon Bryan In June, every year since 2008, people from across the UK celebrate Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month. This yearly event is crucial in raising awareness and tackling myths and prejudices in re..
Spot The Warning Signs of an Abusive Partner
How we can spot the key warning signs of an abusive person. Disclaimer - For the purposes of this particular blog and the references to The Freedom Programme, I will refer to women as the victim and men as the perpetrator. If we have been in an ..
The Correlation between Animal Abuse and Domestic Abuse
There have been many studies which have shown that there is a very definite link between animal abuse and domestic abuse. So what do we know about this? People are often surprised that there is a link. But should we be surprised? People that are a..
Worrying Rise in Use of Undertakings
For some time now, I have been noticing victims and survivors of domestic abuse are increasingly being fobbed off in the civil/family courts with Undertakings from perpetrators as opposed to securing a much more black-and-white Court Order against th..
Claire's Law
The Domestic Violence disclosure Scheme Clare’s Law, which is also known as The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) is a police policy which gives people the right to know if their current partner or ex-partner has any previous history of a..
Light Bulb Moment
Losing control versus Being in control? For the purposes of this blog, I am going to refer to ‘she’ as the victim/survivor and ‘he’ as the perpetrator. I know that men experience domestic abuse too and although I have worked with some male v..
Domestic Abuse & Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Brain Trauma and PTSD and understanding the links with Domestic Abuse. Did you know that it is thought that almost two thirds of people that have experienced domestic abuse also experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It is still a common ..
'Football is Football, no matter who kicks the ball! - Gareth Southgate.
The England men’s football manager, Gareth Southgate has been quoted as saying “football is football, no matter who kicks the ball”. And with the victorious England Women’s Team win on Sunday of the Women’s Euro’s, I thought of that quote..
When Professionals ask...
The question I have been asked most often over the last 24 years is “Why is she attracted to abusive men”? This question also applies to male victims but in my own experience working in the sector, the question has mostly always been directed at ..
Sections 65 & 66 of The Domestic - Abuse Act 2021 now in force....
Anyone who has ever worked front line with victims and survivors of domestic abuse will know how soul destroying it is to support a client through the family courts or civil justice system whereby the alleged perpetrator of the abuse is legally repre..
Council House Tenants with Snotty Nosed Kids!!
I remember someone saying this to me years back when I told them I worked in a refuge for women escaping domestic abuse. “Oh, those places are full of council house women with snotty nosed kids” they said to me! I was deeply offended. For a..
What makes a Murderer?!
I recently read an online entitled ‘How to spot a serial killer – Five key traits’. The traits were: A power junkie A manipulator An egotistical bragger A superficial charmer An average Joe It struck me that these traits are..
Don't apologise for crying!...
Did you know, that when we cry, our tears act as a painkiller!! Did you know that?? Well, I never did until a few years ago. I thought I would share the following article with you on ‘The Science of Tears’. https://psychcentral.com/blog/..
Reactive Abuse - What is it?
Over the years, women that I have worked with, and more recently, women on my Freedom Programmes have described to me how they have felt that they were to blame for the abuse they experienced from their abusive partners. They felt that they too, ha..
Can you help? Do you want to make a difference? If the answer is Yes, then please subscribe...
As part of my commitment to supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse and violence and raising awareness of the same, I have created this substack account where I will place regular blogs and articles about domestic abuse. I will try to c..
Call it by its proper name!
I am constantly left feeling very frustrated at the lack of clarity when I read about domestic homicides in the media. When I read such articles/stories, I know even before the media say it, that it was the woman’s ex-partner. How do I know tha..
Did I ask for it?
The sheer degree of media attention focused on the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial, which included me being asked to do a number of interviews, really got me thinking. What is so wrong with today’s society that a case involving serious domestic..
Interesting Research Article conducted by Northumbria University...
As some know, by day, I am the Head of Partnerships & Development of domestic Abuse Services at The National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV). We have many official supporters - one of them being the Northumbria University Law School. They hav..
Support Sharon Bryan Consultancy Community Interest Company
There are several ways you can give your support to Sharon Bryan Consultancy Community Interest Company Click on this link Items for Sale - Sharon Bryan Consultancy Community Interest Company and purchase on e of the great items for sale. Head..
New QR Code For Sharon Bryan Consultancy
For easy and discreet access to my website sharonbryanconsultancy.com If you would like some QR code stickers sent to you for your own use, please email me at sharon@sharonbryanconsultancy.com..
The Freedom Programme.......
This year 54 women have participated and completed The Freedom Programme with Sharon Bryan Consultancy. Congratulations to all those women and thank you for your hard work, your commitment and mostly for your company for the three months duration of ..
Now taking referrals for the next Freedom Programme.
Sharon Bryan Consultancy Community Interest Company is now taking referrals for the next Freedom Programme which will commence in the New Year of 2022. Following on from the success of the programme being rolled out online via the Zoom..
Show your support for Domestic Abuse Awareness Month.
All it takes to show your support is to wear your Purple Pin Badge for the month of October. Get yours HERE! All proceeds go to my work with survivors of Domestic Abuse & Violence. Company Number: 12882606..
Domestic Abuse Awareness Month - Get Your Purple Ribbon Here!
October is Domestic Abuse Awareness Month Get your purple ribbon pin badges here Wear your purple pin badge with pride and raise awareness on Domestic Abuse and Violence against Women & Girls. *Limited Stock - first come, first serveCompan..
Call it by it's proper name!
Today I was talking to Mark Groves, CEO for NCDV, about something I have always felt pretty strongly about and I thought I would turn it into a blog! Following the sad news of the 26-year-old woman and her 9-year-old son, who were found murdered in ..
Home is not a safe place for everyone!
Domestic Abuse Awareness Raising & Safety Products. If you are a professional working with women who are experiencing domestic abuse, you really do need these products in your desk drawer or your stationery cupboard! If you would like to prepare ..
Reactive Abuse - What is it?
Over the years, women that I have worked with, and more recently, women on my Freedom Programmes have described to me how they have felt that they were to blame for the abuse they experienced from their abusive partners. They felt that they too, ha..
Now taking referrals for the next Freedom Programme.......
I am now taking referrals for the next Freedom Programme which will start after Easter 2021. If you would like to be placed on the waiting list for this next programme please call me on 07881511200 and leave your name, number and email addre..
Now taking referrals for my next Freedom Programme.....
I am now taking referrals for the next Freedom Programme which will start after Easter 2021. If you would like to be placed on the waiting list for this next programme please call me on 07881511200 and leave your name, number and email a..
With the UK into it's third national lockdown, raising awareness of Domestic Abuse has never been more vital.
One in five offences – more than a quarter of a million – recorded by police during and immediately after the first national lockdown in England and Wales last year involved domestic abuse, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) an..
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year and thank you to everyone that has supported me in 2021, professionally and personally. It has been a really tough year for everyone. The pandemic has brought with it new ways of living and working and surviving! Sacrif..
Can you tell the difference?!
I wanted to flag up this article which was brought to my attention by the Freedom Programme, which I facilitate. Can You Tell The Difference Between A Men's Magazine And A Rapist? (jezebel.com) I didn't think I was easily shocked anymore, but when ..
Stuck for what to get your favourite person for Christmas??!!
If your partner cares about domestic abuse - If they support the cause to end violence against women and make domestic abuse socially unacceptable - and you are in need of ideas for their Christmas stocking! Then look no further! The awareness ..
Mr Right & Mr Wrong Fridge Magnets.
These fridge magnets come as a pair and are a visual reminder of the difference between an abusive man and a non abusive man. Perfect for women who have experienced domestic abuse, regardless of whether they have completed The Freedom Programme or ..
Christmas is coming!!!
These pretty 'Catch Your Dream' Fund jars make wonderful night lights. I know, because I use one for the same purpose. Made by a very close friend of mine and fellow survivor of domestic abuse, they make lovely Christmas presents for that special..
As we approach International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women............
In the UK 1 in 4 women experience domestic abuse in their lifetime and 2 women a week are killed. For the year ending March 2019 - 1.6 million women experienced domestic abuse in the UK. At a time when more and more women are trapped in their o..
'Safety Plan' Keyrings - for more information contact sharon@sharonbryanconsultancy.com
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For all establishments that cater for mainly women or who employ mainly women..........
Your establishments are one of the very few places where women experiencing domestic abuse go alone! Statistically, we know that 1 in 3 women experience domestic abuse in their lifetimes. That means that 1 in every 3 of your clients or emp..
Unique 'Safety Plan' Keyrings.
As a result of successful Crowdfunding, I am really happy to promote my unique 'Safety Plan' keyrings. An ordinary looking keyring with a simple design. But using a small coin, the casing comes apart and inside is a hidden, pull out, personalised s..
Just 18 hours left!
There is just 18 hours left to make a pledge to my Crowdfunding page! If you haven't done so already, please make a pledge to help support women who experiencing or have experienced Domestic Abuse. Every penny pledged will go to fund Freedom Progra..
Thank you everyone for all your support.
The Sharon Bryan Consultancy Community Interest Company Domestic Abuse Awareness Month raffle has now been drawn. If you have won a prize, you will have been notified by email by RallyUp - the platform I used to run the raffle. You will also have h..
Raffle is now closed!
The Sharon Bryan Consultancy Community Interest Company Domestic Abuse Awareness Month raffle has now closed!! Thank you to everyone who has purchased entries for the raffle to support my work in raising awareness of domestic abuse and supporting wom..
The countdown starts here!...
The countdown is on! The Sharon Bryan Consultancy Community Interest Company Crowdfunder ends on the 7th November 2020. I have been absolutely blown away by all the kind and generous pledges to this fundraising event. I can't thank everyone e..
Just 7 days left! Don't delay, enter today!
You have just 7 days left to be in with a chance of winning one of these magnificent prizes! 5 Class Online Yoga Pass Make-Up Masterclass/Remote Make-Up Tutorial Pebbles & Welch JanSallyAnn Bag & Claire Louise Jewellery Tropic Skincare Body Wash Col..
Making domestic abuse socially unacceptable?
Is it realistic, do you think, that one day domestic abuse will end completely? I'd like to think so but sometimes I wonder. I was talking to a colleague yesterday and he was saying he didn't want to end domestic abuse! He felt that was an unatt..
Domestic Abuse Awareness Merchandise for sale...
Sharon Bryan Consultancy Community Interest Company has various domestic abuse awareness merchandise for sale on the website - https://sharonbryanconsultancy.com/items-for-sale-2 ..
I make no apologies!!!
To the people out there who are thinking - "she's asking for money again!" - I make absolutely no apologies!! There were at least 16 domestic abuse homicides between the 23rd March and the 12th April 2020. These included children. The average for..
What could you buy for just £3!!??
Just £3 will pay for a unique 'Safety Plan' keyring. These keyrings are one of a kind. On the outside, they look like any normal keyring. On the inside is an insert with a potentially live saving safety plan and essential national helpline num..
Let's do the maths?
Lets do the maths? If 100 people pledged just £1, that would equal £100. With every Safety Plan keyring costing £3 those 100 people who pledged £1 have potentially helped 33 women leave an abusive relationship! Please pledge and share to suppo..
Freedom Programme Online starts 29th October 2020.
Freedom Programme Online starts on 29th October 2020 6.30pm - 8.30pm Via Zoom Closing date for referrals - 26th October 2020. Please contact Sharon Bryan at sharon@sharonbryanconsultancy.com for a referral form, more information or to arrange a ..
Please pledge and share..................
Every penny raised will go to running Freedom Programmes and the development of Safety Plan keyrings for women who are experiencing or have experienced Domestic Abuse. Domestic Abuse has increased massively since the inception of COVID-19 and the s..
Do you know this man??!!
The Freedom Programme examines the roles played by attitudes and beliefs on the actions of abusive men and the responses of victims and survivors. The aim is to help them to make sense of and understand what has happened to them, instead of the whole..
Do something good today!
What are you waiting for? Do something good today. Pledge to help survivors of domestic abuse. https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/sharon-bryan-consultancy-cic ..
Freedom Programme Online starting soon!.......................
Freedom Programme online! Starting soon…………. Sharon Bryan Consultancy Community Interest Company will soon be starting a free online Freedom Programme via Zoom. For a referral form and to have your name added to the waiting list, please ..
Sharon Bryan Consultancy Community Interest Company
I am excited to announce that Sharon Bryan Consultancy is now a Community Interest Company! After 22 years of working in the field of domestic abuse I have finally taken this next step of making my vocation official. It has taken me a long time..
Domestic Abuse Hand Signal
I saw this on the internet yesterday and believe it to be a really important thing to share. Especially in these uncertain times, when women who are experiencing domestic abuse are even more trapped than they are normally. This is a hand signal t..
Information given on my YouTube channel today.
Hi Everyone, The following are links to the information that I gave on my latest YouTube video which was published this evening. This first attachment is about the Silent Solution initiative - What to do if you need urgent police help through the 9..
New resource found.....
I was told today about an App called Talking Parents. One of my clients told me that she uses this to communicate with her abusive ex partner in matters concerning their child. This particular client has had a really disappointing experience with..
Enhanced Domestic Abuse Bill introduced to Parliament......But is it enough?
Finally after months of waiting, the new enhanced domestic abuse bill is to receive its first hearing in Parliament this week. This was supposed to happen in 2019 but was put on hold as a result of the general election which took place at the end o..
New resources now on sharonbryanconsultancy.com
I was contacted last week by Karla in America and she asked me if I would add their website link to my website. Of course I agreed. The correlation is huge between domestic abuse and substance misuse and the information on this website is relevan..
Restraining Order V Non-Molestation Order - Youtube video.
Please take a look at the latest YouTube video on my channel by either going directly to YouTube and then Sharon Bryan Consultancy or by clicking on the link below...…... Click here for YouTube videos...
New online support group......
I have recently created a new online support group for survivors of domestic abuse. The group is also open to professionals who work in the field who are in the position to give reliable, consistent and realistic advice around issues relevant to do..
Part Four of Introduction to The Freedom Programme.
The last part of my series of videos on The Freedom Programme is now on my YouTube channel - Please click below... Sharon Bryan Consultancy. I have added a Poll asking if you have enjoyed the videos. If you can spare a few seconds to tick Yes or ..
New online articles now uploaded....
Please visit my Online Articles page for new uploaded media articles. Of particular interest, the most recent regarding an American MacDonald's restaurant and how they helped a woman who was experiencing domestic abuse. I wish I was confident eno..
The Cyber Helpline.....
Found this resource and thought I would share. I have worked with many women recently who have been victims of cyber stalking, bullying, harassment and revenge porn. This form of abuse is increasing. Therefore, an organisation such as this coul..
New video now on YouTube channel..................
Please click on the link below to see my latest YouTube video - Part Three - Introduction to The Freedom Programme - Sessions. I am still getting the hang of this whole YouTube lark!! so if there is anything you particularly would like me to talk a..
Part Two - Introduction to The Freedom Programme - The Dominator.
Tune in for my next video introducing The Freedom Programme …………………. CLICK HERE...
Part One - Introduction to The Freedom Programme.
My latest video is now published on my YouTube channel - Sharon Bryan Consultancy. Please click here to be taken directly to the video. As always, please subscribe and share. Sharon. X..
The Case of Sally Challen
I was transported back to 1987! Of course, I had heard about this case and read about it. But I did not know all the facts of the case and I was struck with a sudden realisation, watching this documentary, that this so easily could have been me!..
Living on Eggshells
I came across this video and wanted to share. So powerful and needs no words. Also happens to be very close to my website name 'No more walking on eggshells'. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RikpW5n7d5k..
Introductory video now published on Youtube channel.....
Hi everyone, Just to let you know I have now taken the plunge and done my first introductory video on my YouTube channel. I am up and running!! Pretty scary!! Please see the link below to view... https://youtu.be/u0DsdGVOVvA Please, plea..
YouTube channel coming soon........................
So I have decided to create a YouTube channel!!. It is just another way to spread the word and hopefully be able to support and advise anyone experiencing domestic abuse in any of it's forms. I plan to do an introductory video very shortly to exp..
Domestic abuse biggest threat to child protection
I read this interesting article ……… https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-50294046 and have to say, I totally agree. All too often, I am asked to attend child protection conferences to support the victim of the abuse and all too often, the v..
Now on Instagram.............
Please follow me on Instagram...……. sharonbryanconsultancy66 ..
New online articles now uploaded.....................
It has been a while since I had the chance to update my pages, but I am pleased to report, the following articles are now on the Online Articles page of my website: Domestic violence 999 call issues by Derbyshire Police Police officer admits handi..
The women who end up homesless after fleeing violence
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-49661575 Every day I have to deal with the very understandable frustration of women who I am supporting, who have fled their homes in fear with their children and who are not able to access appropriate housing. ..
Don't apologise for crying!.....................
I met up for dinner with a very good friend of mine on Monday and she is doing her Masters in Systemic Family Therapy. She told me something which I never knew and I was not only fascinated, I wanted to share. When we cry, our tears act as a pain..
Keep up to date......
Don't forget to keep up to date with my 'Online Articles' page, where I post any press articles I find which are related to domestic abuse. While you are there, why not have a look around the rest of my website. If you feel that anything is missi..
House of Commons Domestic Abuse Bill Announcement.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0007711/house-of-commons-domestic-abuse-statement..
Useful links.
This is my website page devoted to different helpful and useful websites of organisations out there that support and help women who are experiencing domestic abuse or who experienced domestic abuse in the past. I update this page often when I hear ..
New Immigration Legal Advice Service.
Rights of Women is pleased to share details of our new immigration legal advice service for women who are vulnerable due to Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Following the UK’s deci..
SPITE #revengepornlaw
Found out today about this specialist Legal Advice Centre today. https://www.lac.qmul.ac.uk/advice/revenge-porn-free-legal-advice/# As our society is more and more dominated by technology and social media, so the way abuse is perpetrated is more co..
What Freedom Programme clients say.......
I have just been updating this page on my website by adding the latest feedback from the programme I have just completed. It always fills me with a genuine warmth reading through the feedback forms, knowing that so many women have completed the pro..
'Council house women with snotty nosed kids!!'.............
Hmmm. I remember someone saying this to me years back when I told them I worked in a refuge for women escaping domestic abuse. "Oh, those places are full of council house women with snotty nosed kids" they said to me! I was deeply offended. F..
What a wonderful end to a wonderful Freedom Programme......
In the last 3 months, I have had the pleasure of working with a group of beautiful, inspirational and amazing women in my Spring 2019 Freedom Programme. Seeing them every week for our sessions has been the highlight of my week. It isn't easy for ..
Domestic Homicide Statistics.........
A recent Home Office review of 24 DHRs (Domestic Homicide Reviews) in June 2016, found – Gender of victim: 92% female (22/24) 8% male Age: Youngest victim was 20, the oldest was 81. Ethnicity: 1/3 victims were BME women (8/24) Disabili..
The Empowering Internet Safety Guide for Women
I was asked to include the following article on my website, which I have happily done. Very important information to share amongst women. Thank you Jane Hernandez. https://www.vpnmentor.com/blog/the-empowering-internet-safety-guide-for-women/ ..
Spot the warning signs of an abusive partner.........
How can we spot the key warning signs and persona of an abusive person??? If we have been in an abusive relationship, we may feel that we would know the warning signs straight away, if a new partner was also abusive. But everyone is different, and ..
New Page - Domestic Abuse Statistics & Facts.
Take a look at my new website page which gives you some statistics and facts on Domestic Abuse. Some, you may know. Others, you may not. Please click on this link...
New Media page...................
Please take a look at my new Video page...………. Domestic Abuse related Videos. ..
Invaluable resource.
The National Centre for Domestic Violence. Free legal injunction advice, Confidential, Available to everyone. ..
Mr Right/Mr Wrong Magnets & Cards.
If you are an organisation that comes into contact with women who have/are experiencing domestic abuse, these cards and magnets are an invaluable resource to have at your disposal. The cost quoted is for posting and packing. You really cannot aff..
New page - Domestic abuse quiz!
Are you aware of how many women have experienced Domestic Abuse in their lifetime? Do you know how many refuges there are in the UK? Have a go at my quiz and test your knowledge on how prevalent Domestic Abuse is...…….. The Domestic Abu..
DOTS - Dog's on the streets.
DOTS... DOTS is a volunteer run, not-for-profit charity dedicated to the welfare of dogs belonging to the UK’s homeless community. At MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference), my fellow representatives and I often hear cases of homeles..
Feminist group wins campaign to change how media reports domestic abuse.
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/women/domestic-abuse-reporting-guidelines-ipso-press-regulation-a8871996.html ..
Why it's important to say 'Died by Domestic Violence'
https://www.domesticshelters.org/articles/in-the-news/why-it-s-important-to-say-died-by-domestic-violence?fbclid=IwAR22GLR39_J5XPfMt7m1bRqrUjqgHrDh0zQZSYscV37HuzXiEmKGLbxye9o ..
'What makes a Murderer'?
What makes a Murderer? I recently read an article in the ‘Mail Online’ titled ‘How to spot a serial killer – Five key traits’. The traits were: A power junkie A manipulator An egotistical bragger A superficial charmer An average Joe ..
New Page - Useful Links.
I am developing a new page on my website called Useful Links. I thought it would be a good idea to have somewhere where people can go to look for organisations that can help them/give them advice. This is for survivors of domestic abuse and for p..
Freedom Programme Cards
Mr Wrong/Mr Right cards. These Mr Right/Mr Wrong cards are taken from The Freedom Programme and are great for giving out to women who are experiencing domestic abuse. They are credit card sized and fit nicely in a purse or wallet. They are also o..
Domestic Abuse: App to track incidents.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-47807040 Saw this article today when searching for my domestic abuse articles and think this is a great idea and one which women would welcome and use. In my experience, it is difficult for women to..
Good solicitors are hard to find.........
Moss, Beachley & Mullem Solicitors. I like to acknowledge good practise when I see it. In the current climate of funding cuts which includes legal aid funding, it is very difficult for women to find a good family law solicitor that is committed to ..
Spring Freedom Programme.........
Spring Freedom Programme.... We are half way through the Spring Freedom Programme which is running from February to May 2019. I think this is one of the most culturally diverse programmes I have done. Twelve women from different cultures, countr..
PC gone mad? What do you think?
So I saw this article last week and it really made me think - Has the world gone PC mad? https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/7561247/disney-beauty-beast-domestic-abuse-lion-king-aladdin-darker-skin-self-esteem-damaged/ Have I been conditioning my two..
'At a Distance'........
'At a Distance' is the exciting new project I am collaborating on with my dear friend Ania Hoppner. A talented photographer and survivor of Domestic Abuse, Ania asked me to become involved in this project which we have named ‘At a Distance’...
New articles online now.....
There are new articles online now. One of these is an article about Jahmene Douglas of X Factor fame. I met Jahmene at Claridges in 2012, when I received my 'Survivor of the Year' award. Quietly spoken, he spoke to me and I felt then, he had a ..
Freedom Programme, Winter 2017.................
I have just finished the Winter 2017 Freedom Programme and what a fantastic last session we had. I have watched as all of the women on the group have become empowered and stronger, some more noticeably than others, but all of them in some way. Th..
Exciting additions.............
Now published to sharonbryanconsultancy.com, 2 new pages - Hollie Gazzette and Online Articles. New publications of Hollie Gazzette will be added quarterly and online articles will be added as and when I see them. Thank you, as ever for all your s..
Freedom Programme - Spring Class Graduates!!
Well, yesterday saw the last session of the Spring Westminster Freedom Programme. We again had a little celebration and the women all brought food in to celebrate their achievement together. A good time was had by all. Congratulations to the Wes..
Article on The Freedom Programme.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/real-life-stories/meet-victims-domestic-violence-who-7666939 Interesting article about The Freedom Programme in 'The New Day' today, kindly sent to me by Pat Craven. ..
Recommend to read......
I have just finished reading this book. It is not a true story but it perfectly illustrates what coercive control and abuse is. Albeit, in it's most serious form and I obviously do not recommend anyone reading this does what 'Grace' does to end..
SharonBryanConsultancy - Newsletter March 2016.
All comments and opinions are wholly my own and I will respect others opinions and comments. I will uphold confidentiality and strive at all times to be anti discriminatory in the writing of these newsletters. View this email in y..
New Email Newsletter.
If you would like to subscribe to my new email newsletter, please either sign up via this link: https://eepurl.com/bRUvYD Or go through my website to sign up on the contact page. My newsletters will have lots of useful information on legislation, ..
Freedom Programme - Spring 2016 got off to a good start.........
Hi, My Spring 2016 Freedom Programme got off to a good start on the 24th February. These are a couple of pictures I took before everyone arrived. ..
New Freedom Programme
New Freedom Programme starting on 24th February 2016 in Westminster, London. Fully Booked!!!..
Interesting Article - Salon Saviours, Wolverhampton.
In my regular trawl of the internet looking for interesting facts, new legislation etc on domestic abuse, I stumbled across the attached.https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/salon-saviours-wolverhampton-hairdressers-trained-spot-signs-domestic-abuse-customers-1..
A day in the life of a Domestic Abuse Consultant!
Today, it took me two and a half hours to get into London to work. It was freezing. I wondered, as I have done so many times in the past, why I do this?!. I spend a minimum of 4 hours daily, travelling. The work of a domestic abuse specialist..
Testimonials from Freedom Programme, Westminster, London - Autumn 2015.
Here are some testimonials from the Autumn Freedom Programme in Westminster, London. "The Freedom Programme is a fantastic programme to be on. The co-ordinator of the sessions, Sharon Bryan, has been brilliant in supporting us women on the group a..
Domestic Abuse - Why are these words still 'taboo'?
With the news this afternoon that the man wanted for the murder of Sian Blake and her two small children, has been arrested in Ghana, we can hope that Sian's family will see justice done and that Sian and the children will be able to rest in peace. ..
The New Year.
Happy New Year to everyone who reads this. As a new year starts, most of us are looking forward to going back to work tomorrow, as am I. But the 4th January has always been a very busy but not so enjoyable day for me in my profession. I don't k..
The state of things to come.
With the latest news that Harrow Council are funding 'couples work' for cases where there has been domestic abuse, let us hope that they embark on this work with the utmost care. I feel that this is something a lot of local authorities will be doing..
New Legislation.
This month saw the coming into force of new legislation around coercive control. Coercive control has now been criminalised as an offence under The Serious Crime Act 2015. Under section 76 (1) of the Act ‘a person (A) commits an offence if: (a) A..
The Freedom Programme - End of Autumn Group.
So, today was the last session of my current Freedom Programme Group. It has been running since September (12 weeks). It has been very successful and most of the women who attended were sorry it had come to an end. I always try to run the programm..
