Managing Partner, Peter Guest, and CEO of charity FearFree, Debbie Beadle, talk relationship breakdowns and domestic abuse with Charlotte Hemingway.
At Bath Family Law we’re always looking for ways to enhance our services and better support our clients, so we were delighted to collaborate with charity FearFree on Radio Bath recently.
The conversation covered everything from why we see an increase in referrals after Christmas, to how organisations can work together more effectively to help the victims of domestic abuse. But the highlight of the interview was the emphasis on the value of early intervention – not just for families experiencing a relationship breakdown, but for society as a whole.
“We’re working on some pilot projects at the moment,” explains Peter, who is also Executive Director of the not-for-profit social enterprise Affordable Family Law Group Community Interest Company (AFLG). “That identify the difference that early intervention makes upon wider society financially.” He believes that education is key, and getting information, advice, and legal help as early as possible results in the best outcomes for everyone involved. Not to mention the broader social impact that early intervention offers – such as less GP visits, fewer long-term health conditions, lower crime rates and reduced police involvement.
Debbie also shares insights into FearFree’s Help to Change programme. Delivered through 1-2-1 and group work, it supports perpetrators of domestic abuse to address the root cause of their damaging patterns and change their behaviours. “It’s what we really should be looking at, to really break the cycle, ” Debbie concludes – to reduce the risk of reoffending and help foster healthier relationships moving forward.
Click the link below to listen to the full interview, hosted by Charlotte Hemingway on her Radio Bath Show.
