SeaChange: Moving Forward

A supportive six week program for women who have experienced intimate partner violence and have used force to protect themselves and/or their children.  This program is designed to help women develop regulation skills and explore emotions in a healthy way.

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Moving Forward is a transformative group program for women who have experienced intimate partner violence and are looking to better understand and manage their emotional responses.

Designed for women who may have been ordered to attend an anger management program due to actions taken in the context of family violence, this program offers a safe space to reflect, grow, and move toward a more empowered future.

Who is this for?

This program is for women who:

  • Have used force in response to intimate partner violence.
  • Struggle with emotional regulation.
  • May be attending under court direction (e.g., following a family violence incident).
  • Are ready to explore their personal experiences in a supportive setting.

What can I expect?

Before the program starts, you’ll have a one-on-one 50 minute phone call with one of our counselors. This is a chance for us to make sure the program is the right fit for you and to answer any questions you have. We’ll ask you some questions about your current situation, which helps us ensure the program meets your needs. Each session runs for two hours and sessions are generally held the same time each week over six weeks. The program is held online. To get the most out of the sessions you’ll need a laptop, computer, or tablet with a stable internet connection and headphones. It’s also important to have a private space where you won’t be interrupted by children or other adults.

How can we help?

Led by our highly experienced counsellors in a safe and respectful space, the sessions are practical and interactive, giving you the tools you can use at home right away. 

You’ll explore:

  • The impacts of trauma on emotional regulation.
  • Family violence, including common myths and misconceptions.
  • Understanding anger and developing skills and strategies for managing it.
  • Your strengths, values, beliefs, and the importance of self-care.

How to book

To join, you can either book online or call our team.  Once we have received your order, we will contact you to book your 50 minute intake appointment.   If we assess that the group is not the best suited to your needs, we will discuss other alternative and suitable options with you.

Program fees

$250 per person ($200 for concession card holders)

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of the SeaChange Moving Forward Program?

This program is designed to support women who have used force in response to intimate partner violence, offering a safe and compassionate space for healing and growth.

How long is the program?

This program takes place over six, two hour sessions, which are generally held at the same time each week.

How many participants are in each group?

Groups are capped at 8 participants.

What topics are covered?

This program explores the impacts of trauma on emotional regulation, helping you to understand family violence and recognise red flags in abusive relationships, addresses gender-based prejudices around anger expression, and provides access to family violence support services. You’ll also develop skills and strategies to help you move forward.

Who can attend?

This program is designed for women who are currently experiencing or have previously been in an intimate partner relationship where family violence has occurred. It offers a supportive space to help you heal, understand your experiences, and develop strategies to move forward.

Can I attend the sessions online?

Yes. We currently offer this program online. You’ll need to have access to a device such as a laptop/computer or tablet, stable internet connection, headphones and be able to have privacy for the duration of the session (no children or other adults in the same room).

How do the sessions work?

The sessions are interactive and will be a combination of group discussions, presentations, videos, and skills practice. You’ll be encouraged to practice skills in between sessions.

Are participants expected to discuss personal issues?

You are expected to participate in group discussions and skills practice, but only share what you feel comfortable with. We set group agreements at the start of the program to ensure you feel safe to open up and are given a confidential, non-judgmental and respectful space.

Do I get a certificate at the end?

Yes. If you attend all six sessions, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion. If a session is missed, you’ll receive a Certificate of Participation with the number of sessions attended.

Do you offer make-up sessions if I can’t make one?

No, we do not offer make-up sessions for this program.

Does Relationship Matters provide a report for court at the end?

No. You may provide a copy of your Certificate, but we do not provide any other information on your participation.

Is this service confidential?

Yes. Protecting your privacy and wellbeing is central to how we work. The only exceptions are where there are concerns about safety or harm or where we are required to release your information as required by law.

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