12-year-old Lottie* moved into our refuge with her Mum in early 2022, having fled the domestic abuse she’d experienced for most of her young life. She was initially very shut off from talking about her experiences and was referred to our mentoring service so that she could have a safe space of her own to […]
If coming to refuge is difficult for adults, it can be even more confusing for children who may not fully understand why they have had to leave behind everything they know. For families arriving with us in December, Christmas can feel like one more pressure to cope with. This year we expect around 15 children […]
We are delighted to share that we have received a social investment loan of £4.1 million from Social and Sustainable Capital (SASC) for us to enhance our housing provision. The loan from SASC’s Social and Sustainable Housing fund (SASH) will enable us to purchase 22 properties: 12 in Thanet and 10 in Medway, providing more […]
For the Power of Women festival 2022 celebrating International Women’s Day, our CEO Deb was invited to speak at the opening event. The theme is ‘Reclaim and Reconnect’ which prompted this reflection on the Reclaim the Night movement. What I have to say is not easy so please bear this in mind before reading… Reclaim […]
For #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek we caught up with Oasis’s Domestic Abuse trauma specialist counsellor Diane May about her work and the seminal work of Bessel Van Der Kolk and how its informed her practice with survivors we support. Diane has worked with Oasis for many years. Her current work includes the development of an Understanding Trauma toolkit […]
For Deaf Awareness Week we spoke with SignHealth, the deaf health charity that Oasis regularly connects with, to hear more about their specialist #DomesticAbuse service for survivors who are deaf or hard of hearing. My name is Samantha Baker, I am a Senior Young People’s Violence Advisor in SignHealth’s Domestic Abuse team. We are a […]
Domestic Abuse doesn’t just affect people. All too often pets become part of the abusive tactics used by perpetrators, as a prime means to coerce and control. The emotional ties a victim feels towards their dog or cat is used to ensure that they don’t leave. Pets can also be subjected to violence and abuse […]
Oasis volunteer Helen reflects on her experience helping someone affected by domestic abuse in the 1970s and what’s changed for people today. During my winter break, I have time to reflect on what a very privileged life I enjoy; how very lucky I am. To think how life has changed over the years. The path […]
Oasis and Choices Domestic Abuse Services have come together as one organisation, creating an even stronger service across East Kent, Medway and North Kent. The sister organisations are now one, Oasis, having worked closely together over the last year to strengthen and enhance provision across Dover, Thanet, Medway, Dartford, Gravesham and Maidstone. By combining expertise, […]
CEO Deb reflects on the destructive nature of the chronic avoidance of accountability Valentine’s is upon us. At Oasis, we can’t help but reflect on this day with mixed feelings. Having recently listened to FKA Twigs talk frankly, openly and bravely about her experience to Louis Theroux for his Grounded podcast, I reflected on this […]
