Sonas Housing Association uses a feminist analysis of violence to women which recognises it as a gender based crime and the ultimate expression of the unequal position of women in society.
Sonas offers sole tenancies to women. This is to help support them in taking back control of their own lives at a time of extreme vulnerability. They can however have friends to stay and can enter into a new relationship during their time in Sonas.
We work with women and children using support plans, which helps to identify the type and level of support she needs to get back to a position of independent living. The support worker’s role is to work respectfully, side by side with the woman. A support worker supports, she does not offer solutions or make choices for a woman.
We understand that a woman cannot protect her children unless she is protected herself. Sonas children’s workers work in partnership with mothers to counteract the long term effects on children of witnessing or experiencing abuse. One to one and group work with the children directly addresses the impact of the resulting trauma.
