Gateway Programme
Increasing Knowledge about Abusive Relationship Dynamics
Based on the information provided at the point of referral, parents may be placed on either the Gateway Programme or the Healthy Relationships course. Both are included in the placement cost.
The Gateway Programme requires crucial risk management factors to be addressed at each stage of implementation, including initial set-up, referral processes, ongoing risk review, session delivery and evaluation.
Attending the Gateway sessions can contribute to an individual’s journey to reaching a place where they may feel able to make choices and consider their options.
National support agencies are included with signposting information (local support agencies must be obtained for the specific geographical area of delivery).
Qualifications/experience of the key provider(s):
Three of Amber Family’s staff members have been trained by Linda Davies.
Linda is the Director of Tools4Change and the sole designer of the Gateway course. Natalie Clarke, Allison Ennis, and Diana Wright have attended scheduled training days to achieve the Gateway accreditation and have completed lengthy and detailed portfolios that Linda has supervised and marked. Nat, Allison, and Diana are now able to deliver the Gateway training on a 1:1 basis or to a group of adults who have experienced domestic abuse.
Our qualified Gateway facilitators are bound to confidentiality unless there is a safeguarding issue relating directly to the parent attending the course.
The gateway course structure is broken down into 5 sessions on a 1:1 basis. These are as follows:
Session 1 - Myths:
Begins to develop an understanding of abuse within relationships by exploring attitudes, beliefs and myths which can support abuse within relationships. This session continues to examine specific beliefs held by abusive and non-abusive partners, the origins of those beliefs and how they can drive behaviour. The fictional family assists in the consideration of strongly held attitudes/beliefs and contributes to creating a shift away from minimising/denying abuse within relationships.
Session 2 - Cycle of Control:
We identify and discuss various forms of abuse and the wide range of tactics used to exert control within relationships. The fictional characters provide a safe vehicle to discuss and recognise abusive/non-abusive behaviours. Where the responsibility for controlling and abusive behaviour lies is considered before identifying the impact an abusive relationship may have on the non-abusive partner’s beliefs, behaviours, emotions and health. Beliefs about equal relationships are explored and identified before the session concludes.
Session 3 - Parenting and Children:
Initially, it considers the impact of abusive relationships on parenting skills. The use of the fictional family is the key to this sensitive session exploring the impact that living in a home where there is domestic abuse may have on children. This session focuses on supporting the group in exploring the situation from the child’s point of view. The general needs of children and young people are identified before examining the impact domestic abuse may have on those needs.
Session 4 - Why is it hard to leave and safety planning?
This session considers the complex reasons why people find it hard to leave abusive relationships. The fictional family is used as a tool to identify safety plans for a range of scenarios, including staying in the relationship, leaving safely and their safety after leaving.
Session 5 - Towards Change:
Gateway respects the complexities of the non-abusive partner’s life, acknowledging that abuse is or has been a part of and not the entirety of that person’s life.
This session focuses on recognising and reinforcing existing strengths and coping strategies for everyday living during and following an abusive relationship. Warning signs within new relationships are explored before identifying safe ways to end a new relationship which they suspect is not good for themselves or their children.
