The iMatter Programme: for women who have experienced domestic abuse

An important notice
Funding for the iMatter programme will end 31 Dec 2023. We are currently exploring other options for further funding. In the meantime, we will have to pause referrals from 1 July. This is ensure that all those referred onto the programme can be contacted. We will keep this page updated with information about whether we are able to continue running the programme after this year.

Victim Support’s online iMatter programme has been designed for women aged 16 and over who have been, or are currently, victims of domestic abuse and live in England and Wales.

It is suitable for those who are not high risk, and is available in the following languages: English, Welsh, Urdu, Bengali, Polish and Gujarati.

The programme is delivered online, by Zoom, across 10 weeks in groups of up to 12 women. Sessions are facilitated by two specially-trained Victim Support staff members. Each session lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Each session focuses around group discussion and the sharing of ideas, but participants will not be asked to share anything they do not wish to. The focus of iMatter is not on individual experiences, but on helping victims of domestic abuse move on in their recovery journey.

The programme looks at the importance of self-worth, self-care and mindfulness.

Find out more about domestic abuse and how to recognise the signs.

Fill in an online referral form

If you’re looking to self-refer to the iMatter programme, or are a professional working with someone that you think would benefit from the iMatter programme, you can complete our secure online referral form.

The 10 week programme includes:

  • understanding what domestic abuse is, including coercive control.
  • a focused look at healthy relationships, and what changes may be needed to keep themselves safer in future. This includes the relationships they have with themselves.
  • practical skills for recovery, including working on their confidence and assertiveness.
  • strengthening of social connections in a safe environment, and encourages the sharing of behaviours, thoughts and feelings around the aftermath of domestic abuse.

Download our leaflet to find out more about iMatter.

Victim Support will assess applicants for the iMatter programme on a number of criteria. To be eligible to take part, you should:

  • be at risk or have experienced conflict, violence and/or abuse, and are not at high risk
  • be female
  • be aged 16 or over
  • be aware that your self-esteem and confidence may need developing to recover from your experience
  • be willing to participate
  • have stable access to the internet and a device you can use, such as a mobile, tablet or laptop (including a webcam or a camera in the device)
  • if you have children, be able to have childcare in place to be able to complete the programme without interruption.

If you think you meet the above criteria and you’re interested in applying to the iMatter programme, you can ask any professional that you’re working with – for example, a caseworker – to refer you.

For further information, contact the iMatter team on 0300 30 35 881 between 9am-8pm, Monday-Friday and 9am-5pm on Saturdays.

You can also fill in our secure online referral form.

If iMatter is not suitable for you, with your agreement, we can refer you on to a more appropriate service.

If you are currently in danger, at risk of harm or it is an emergency, please call 999. If you’re not in immediate danger but would like to speak someone now, you can call our Supportline 24/7 on 08 08 16 89 111, or the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.

  • Ask for ANI – a domestic abuse code word scheme, in which women experiencing abuse can ask for help at thousands of Boots stores and other pharmacies across the UK.
  • Refuge – supporting women and children experiencing domestic violence.
  • Women’s Aid – working to end domestic abuse against women and children.

Helplines

Please note that the inclusion of links to external websites does not mean that we recommend or endorse the content. We don’t control information on these sites and we cannot take responsibility for the availability or accuracy of this content.

If you’re working with someone who you think would benefit from the iMatter programme, you can, with their permission, refer them to iMatter by completing our secure online form.

Download our guidance for professional referrers leaflet to find out more.