About Woman’s Trust
In 1996, a group of female counsellors, along with female survivors of domestic abuse, formed Woman’ Trust.
At that time in London there was no professional mental health support, or counselling, to help women deal with the emotional impact of domestic abuse.
Vision
A world where women have the resources to prevent domestic violence damaging their futures.
Mission
To help any woman in London affected by domestic violence and abuse to overcome the mental and emotional harm and rebuild her life, by providing women-only, client-led counselling and support services.
What makes us different
We were set up specifically to provide free and specialist counselling for women; to help them address the complex psychological trauma caused by domestic abuse, on their mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Our independent, confidential services are exclusively for women who have experienced domestic abuse including but not limited to:
- domestic violence
- coercive control
- emotional abuse
- sexual abuse
- financial abuse
- controlling behaviour
We provide a safe environment where women can discuss their experiences openly and without fear of being judged; to process their thoughts; and to understand, express and learn to manage their feelings with the help of our specially trained therapists.
Most importantly, we recognise that domestic abuse is about more than violent behaviour; coercive, controlling relationships can also cause lasting emotional and psychological harm.
We are a women-led service supporting women, and all of our staff and volunteers are women.
Our history at a glance
28
Years in operation
20,700
Women helped
70,900
Counselling sessions delivered
About us: our approach to counselling and therapy
We know and understand the different ways abuse can impact women. But we also know everyone’s experience is different. We’re not here to tell people what to do or how to feel. In many cases, the women who come to us will have had enough people telling them that already.
Here at Woman’s Trust, we use the person-centred approach to therapy. Our focus is less about our therapists being ‘the experts’ and more about giving women the time and space to express their feelings and discuss their experiences, in their own words and their own time. This is true of our counselling sessions and our support groups.
We follow the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions (2018).
Our work with other agencies
Within the sector, we are known for the high quality of our professional mental health services, and as a training provider for front line workers.
We have strong links with the Greater London Domestic Violence Project and Women’s Aid, the Metropolitan Police, health care providers and the National Domestic Violence Helpline – all of whom make regular referrals to us.
Our primary concern will always be for the woman who is the survivor of abuse. We also have our own strict safeguarding policies and procedures, for example regarding child protection.
Confidentiality is important for the women that come to us. We don’t share any information on our clients without their consent, unless there’s a serious risk of harm to them or someone else.
