Kildare-based domestic violence service helps to launch updated ‘game-changer’ course

A domestic violence service based in County Kildare has helped to launch what it calls a 'gamechanger' course to help survivors of domestic abuse.

Own My Life, which has already changed the lives of thousands of women subjected to abuse, has launched brand-new Irish materials in celebration of International Women’s Day 2024 with its founder, Natalie Collins, in partnership with County Kildare charity Teach Tearmainn.

According to Teach Tearmainn: "The Own My Life course is creative, educational and has now been specifically developed with Irish context materials to help women who have been subjected to abuse or violence from a partner to regain ownership of their lives."

CEO of Teach Tearmainn, Lorraine Rowan, also said: "Own My Life is an exceptional course, and our team has been taken aback by the positive impact this survivor support group has had on the women who have participated."

Natalie Collins pictured at Teach Tearmainn Naas Outreach Centre discussing
the Own My Life program. Photograph supplied by Lorraine Rowan of Teach Tearmainn.

Natalie explained that 'abusers steal our joy', which led her to develop Own My Life, based from her own experiences being subjected to abuse and incorporating decades of research and evidence, that puts fun, laughter and the strength of togetherness at the heart of the work with women.

Teach Tearmainn has been delivering the Own My Life course with success since May 2022; now, women attending courses in Kildare will have materials which reflect their experiences in Ireland, including a comprehensive Irish learning journal.

The course covers all dynamics of domestic abuse, including economic, sexual, emotional and psychological.

It includes: domestic abuse education, literacy building on the psychology of trauma, the cycle of abuse and the most up-to-date information about male violence and entitlement, as well as coping mechanisms for co-parenting with an abuser.

TESTIMONIALS

Women who have attended the course have said the following:

• "Do it! It will be the best decision you make, absolutely mind-blowing"
• "I have started to live, not just exist. It’s fun and exciting"
• "It will change your life and liberate you"

Commenting further on the launch of the course, Natalie had this to say: "It is brilliant to partner with Teach Tearmainn to implement Own My Life with their great passion and skill to help transform women’s lives.

"They join many dedicated and determined practitioners who are delivering the course and fighting adversity on behalf of women up and down the country every single day."

She continued: “To the women taking part in Own My Life courses, you are the reason we do this work and we are honoured to be part of your healing journey."

"In this week of International Women’s Day, we are delighted to have a story of hope and positivity... Abusers
can try to destroy women, but the love and laughter Own My Life enables women to cultivate with one another can change everything.

"Women can take back ownership of their lives!"

Lorraine Rowan further said that Teach Tearmainn 'was thrilled to welcome Own My Life Founder, Natalie Collins to Teach Tearmainn’s Outreach Centre in Naas on Monday, March 4, 2024 as part of our International Women’s Day celebrations.'

On the day, Natalie met with women in Teach Tearmainn who had already or are currently participating in Own My Life Groups.

Any woman in County Kildare who may be interested in participating in an Own My Life course can contact Teach Tearmainn on 045-527584.