Supporting People with Learning Disabilities.
Introduction
WISER – Women in Safe and Empowering Relationships- is a specialist domestic abuse programme for women who have a learning disability or borderline learning disability and who can find it difficult to access mainstream domestic abuse services.
WISER was developed in response to women telling us that other services and courses didn’t feel accessible, safe, or easy to engage with - even when they wanted support.
Course overview
WISER helps women understand domestic abuse, recognise unsafe or controlling behaviors, and build confidence to make safer choices.
The course is trauma-informed and learning-disability inclusive. We understand that trauma can affect how people feel, communicate, remember information, and make decisions - and that this can increase vulnerability to abuse and exploitation.
* We aim to make WISER easier to take part in by:
• Using clear, simple language and checking understanding (no jargon)
• Sharing information in accessible formats (including Easy Read content)
• Learning through creative, practical activities and supported discussion
• Going at a comfortable pace, with repetition and time to revisit topics
• Creating a safe, respectful group space where women can take part in ways that work for them
• Offering extra support where needed (flexible 1:1 support alongside group delivery).
* Key themes covered
Women explore:
• What abuse is, and how it can show up in relationships, families, and everyday life
• Coercive control and how someone can use manipulation, threats, and pressure to take away freedom and choices
• How domestic abuse and trauma can affect feelings of safety, confidence, decision-making and trust
• Consent and healthy boundaries
• Cyber abuse, stalking, and harassment
• Domestic abuse law in an accessible way, who can help and making a simple Keep Safe plan
* What WISER is working towards
Overall, WISER supports women to build confidence and strengthen their voice, choices, and boundaries - in a way that recognises different learning needs and prioritises safety.
Course dates 2026
To be confirmed.
