Derry woman sets up new group to help victims of domestic abuse

A Derry woman who was the victim of domestic violence has set up a new group aimed at providing support to both women and men suffering as the result of an abusive partner.

Donna Maria Logue (pictured) set up ‘La Dolce Vita Project’ from her bedroom after friends suggested she use the knowledge she gained during her own experiences, such as dealing with the courts and social services, to help others who unfortunately find themselves in a similar position.

The group also offers advice to families who may suspect that a loved one is the victim of domestic abuse, and how to handle the situation with sensitivity.

And Donna, 38, has revealed that she is already helping 35 people through the project, 11 of whom are men, with people from as far away as the USA using the group for support.

The group is now in the process of becoming a registered charity, with a fundraising night also planned for the beginning of March.

Donna said she hopes the project will help empower and support victims of domestic violence, regardless of gender, and also give them training on how to deal with the court system, once they reach that stage.

“I had been doing some research, and started talking to other women who had been affected by domestic violence and realised that there were gaps in certain areas,” she said.

“So I put together a wee walking club for the women I had met, which started with four of us and now is up to 20, just a wee informal support group and we go out twice a week.

“From that, a lot of members of the walking club suggested I do something with the knowledge and experience I had to maybe do something with it.”

She added: “So I started working from my bedroom, and I drew up three training courses.” Donna continued that the courses ranged from practical support, to helping families deal with helping a relative affected by domestic abuse.

“The courses deal with issues such as safeguarding yourself, and knowing your rights when you’re dealing with the court service and solicitors,” she said.

“I drew up a step by step guide to the court process dealing with what kind of orders you’re going to encounter, and helping people through what is a very lengthy process.

“We also provide education on benefit system and financial advice, backed by Kathleen Bradley, manager of Dove House Advice Services.

“What it is, is that I don’t want people going into their meetings with the social services blind, I want them to be prepared and know what their rights are.”

Donna added: “And this service is available regardless of gender, and eleven men have come forward already.”

“We also have a referral system where we look at what group is best suited to helping the people after they come to us, such as Foyle Women’s Aid, HURT and Zest.”

In addition to providing advice regarding legal matters, ‘La Dolce Vita Project’ also helps families cope with helping a loved one escape from an abusive relationship.

“Recovery from domestic violence takes a lot of time, effort and support,” she said.

“You must be willing to accept you situation and also ready to accept that changes need to be made for your life to be better.

“It is not about pushing anyone, it is a process that is done at a very easy pace, it is about being compassionate and understanding to those affected and ensuring they are supported throughout.

“What we do is offer a service whereby a family member can contact us if they feel that someone is being abused, and we can tell them what signs to look for and what steps they can take.

“And that is a very important factor of the project, because unfortunately there’s very little support for families out there.

“When there is domestic violence it can cause a lot of friction among families, and the danger is then that the victim becomes silenced and isolated.”

If you would like to get in contact with the group, or contribute towards the fundraising night, contact dml.vita@hotmail .com.