VICTIM SUPPORT TO LAUNCH DOMESTIC ABUSE RECOVERY PROGRAMME AIMED AT MOTHERS AND CHILDREN

Victim Support Isle of Man is to become a Domestic Abuse Recovering Together (DART) Licence Holder Agency, thanks to a Manx Lottery Trust grant of £27,000.

The DART Programme, created and delivered by the UK’s leading children’s charity, The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), will enable Victim Support Isle of Man to extend its support to young people who have experienced or witnessed domestic abuse.

DART specifically targets children aged 7 to 14 years who have been impacted by domestic abuse. Working together with both the child and their mother, the programme aims to strengthen their relationship, facilitate open conversations about their experiences, and aid the immediate to long-term recovery process.

The acquisition of the DART licence is a significant milestone for the independent charity, which intends to use the licence to work collaboratively with other charities across the Island to improve the support offered to children affected by domestic abuse in the Isle of Man. They hope to work with organisations such as Isle Listen, The Children's Centre, Motiv8, Women's Aid, and Cruse Bereavement Support Isle of Man.

Lorna Trevethan from Victim Support Isle of Man said: ‘The DART programme unfolds over ten weeks, during which mothers and children engage in weekly two-hour group sessions. These sessions focus on understanding the dynamics of domestic abuse and its impact on children, providing a safe and supportive environment for healing and growth.

‘Funding will be used to provide training for up to 15 DART facilitators and will enable us to "train the trainer" where necessary, equipping volunteers and other agencies across the Isle of Man with the knowledge and tools to support young victims and witnesses of domestic abuse effectively.

‘Our hope is that the programme will empower young survivors of domestic abuse, equipping them with the skills and support they need to overcome their challenges and build a brighter future. On behalf of the charity, I’d like to say a big thank you to Manx Lottery Trust for making this possible.’

Stephen Turner, Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, added: ‘We are pleased to support Victim Support Isle of Man in their mission to expand their services through the DART Programme. This very worthwhile initiative will provide vital assistance to young individuals who have endured the trauma of domestic abuse and help them regain control of their lives.’

To find out more about Victim Support Isle of Man, visit: www.victimsupport.im

This grant is from Manx Lottery Trust’s Dormant Assets Fund. Manx Lottery Trust has been delegated to distribute National Lottery money from The National Lottery Community Fund. To find out more, visit: www.mlt.org.im