Loneliness in refuge

Clothworkers Tablet 2

Isolation is a tactic many abusers use to control their victims. The perpetrator controls the victim by removing external support systems, so that they become increasingly dependent on the abuser. This makes it difficult for the victim to leave. It is in the abuser’s interest to restrict victims’ access to the Internet, so they can isolate the victim.

Consequently, victims of abuse who seek support from refuge centres are often both socially isolated and digitally excluded. Survivors of abuse are often very lonely. Once they have escaped, survivors are often housed in refuges far from home to keep them safe from their abuser. This means that they are living in a new place, surrounded by strangers, at a time when they are very vulnerable. A tablet computer can be a safe way to communicate and connect with the world around them.

How does technology help?

How technology helps survivors of domestic abuse

While receiving a tablet doesn’t change the loss women have experienced, it does help maintain contact with friends and family, at a time when there are restricted visiting hours in place. A tablet computer allows women to access the Internet whenever they want. This is often in the evening when their children are asleep and libraries are closed.

The tablet supported and helped with feeling less isolated.

Dot is a middle aged lady with early signs of dementia and struggles with her mobility.  She unfortunately had to leave behind her life when fleeing her perpetrator and start a fresh beginning.  The tablet enabled her to access information on local churches that she started to attend on a regular basis, through the church she then met new friends and was often invited out to meals.  The tablet also gave her the opportunity to keep up-to-date with what was happening in her local church and community.  This is just one of many examples of how a tablet supported this individual and helped with them feeling less isolated after moving into an area where she knew no one.  Having this local connection enabled her to form healthy relationships, to learn about what a healthy relationship looks like and to start trusting others.  It helped to improve her confidence and self-esteem that supported in preparing her to move out of refuge into independent living.

Cornwall Refuge Trust

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2019-07-29T14:36:29+00:00

Cornwall Refuge Trust

Dot is a middle aged lady with early signs of dementia and struggles with her mobility.  She unfortunately had to leave behind her life when fleeing her perpetrator and start a fresh beginning.  The tablet enabled her to access information on local churches that she started to attend on a regular basis, through the church she then met new friends and was often invited out to meals.  The tablet also gave her the opportunity to keep up-to-date with what was happening in her local church and community.  This is just one of many examples of how a tablet supported this individual and helped with them feeling less isolated after moving into an area where she knew no one.  Having this local connection enabled her to form healthy relationships, to learn about what a healthy relationship looks like and to start trusting others.  It helped to improve her confidence and self-esteem that supported in preparing her to move out of refuge into independent living.
Cambridge Women's Aid

Creating a homely environment means women socialise and chill out.

Having a TV in our communal areas in the refuge, and in residents individual units, is useful for a number of reasons. Creating a homely environment means women can come together in the evenings to watch TV together in comfort, socialise and chill out.

Cambridge Women's Aid.

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2019-07-30T09:15:03+00:00

Cambridge Women's Aid.

Cambridge Women's Aid
Having a TV in our communal areas in the refuge, and in residents individual units, is useful for a number of reasons. Creating a homely environment means women can come together in the evenings to watch TV together in comfort, socialise and chill out.
Clothworkers Tablet

The tablet has reduced a lot of my own stress because my daughter is included and not being left out.

My daughter is at Primary School and tablets are now widely used and accepted by education. My daughter is able to engage with learning materials from home and is able to do her homework using the tablet. This has reduced a lot of my own stress because my daughter is included and not being left out.

Tablets for Survivors of Domestic Abuse Project

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2019-07-30T09:41:13+00:00

Tablets for Survivors of Domestic Abuse Project

Clothworkers Tablet
My daughter is at Primary School and tablets are now widely used and accepted by education. My daughter is able to engage with learning materials from home and is able to do her homework using the tablet. This has reduced a lot of my own stress because my daughter is included and not being left out.

Being able to access online help and forums shows they are not alone.

Many men are unable to face the fact they are in an abusive relationship.  They are also afraid to tell others through fear of ridicule and non-belief.  Being able to access online help and forums shows they are not alone and there is a lot of healing when discussing the same type of problem with your peer group.

You First Men's Refuge

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2019-08-14T08:15:51+00:00

You First Men's Refuge

Many men are unable to face the fact they are in an abusive relationship.  They are also afraid to tell others through fear of ridicule and non-belief.  Being able to access online help and forums shows they are not alone and there is a lot of healing when discussing the same type of problem with your peer group.

Tablets contributes to lessening people’s experience of loneliness and isolation by helping people to keep in contact and have easier access online.

Angie Stewart, CEO of Cambridge Women's Aid.

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2019-08-14T08:17:19+00:00

Angie Stewart, CEO of Cambridge Women's Aid.

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