Gateway – Domestic Abuse Recovery Programme
Domestic abuse can leave you feeling confused, isolated, and alone. At Equation, we’re here to support you on your journey to safety and recovery. Gateway is our eight-week peer support programme for men and LGBTQ+ survivors, run in separate groups so everyone feels safe to speak openly. You’ll meet others who understand, and start planning your next steps.
What to expect
An Independent Domestic Violence Advocate can help with your immediate safety and practical needs, things like accessing court services or finding safe housing. But even once the abuse has ended, moving forward can still feel hard.
Confusion and isolation often linger. Gateway gives you space to work through what’s happened, at your own pace, alongside people who understand. We run separate groups for men and for LGBTQ+ people, so you can speak openly.
What the programme covers
You’ll meet people who’ve been through something similar, and have chance to talk openly about why abuse happens and how it works. We’ll look at the signs of controlling behaviour, how abuse can affect parenting and children, and where to find extra support if you need it. You’ll also build your safety plan, explore why leaving can be so hard, and think through what you want your next steps to look like.
- Meet and share experiences with people who understand what you’ve been through.
- Learn more about why and how abuse happens in relationships.
- Learn to identify behaviours used to manipulate and control.
- Examine how abusive relationships affect parenting and children, and discover resources for support.
- Increase your safety and learn strategies to protect yourself.
- Understand why leaving an abusive relationship can be so difficult.
- Reflect on the choices available to you and plan your next steps.
How to join
You can refer yourself, or ask a professional to do it for you, either way is fine, and you don’t need to have used our other services first. Once we get your referral, we’ll be in touch to arrange an assessment session where you can ask questions and check that it feels right. Gateway runs in venues across Nottinghamshire. There can be a waiting list, but anything urgent will be picked up straight away at your assessment.
Frequently asked questions
We know reaching out can feel like a big step. Here are answers to some questions you might have.
Who’s Gateway for?
Men and LGBTQ+ survivors of historic or current experiences of domestic abuse. We run separate groups for each, so everyone can speak freely.
What actually happens when I refer?
We’ll contact you to arrange an assessment, a chance to ask questions and check it’s the right fit before you start.
Will I have to open up in front of the group?
Not if you don’t want to. You choose what you share.
What if I need help before then?
Call our helpline any time, and if you’re in immediate danger, always call 999.
Do I need to already be getting support from Equation?
No, you’re welcome to join Gateway whether or not you’ve used our other services.
Is it online or in person?
In person, across Nottinghamshire.
Is there a wait to get started?
Sometimes. If anything urgent comes up at your assessment, we’ll deal with that straight away.
What happens next?
Reaching out can feel like a big step, and we want you to know what to expect. Once you’re in touch, a member of our team will get back to you in the way you’ve asked. You’ll be listened to, never judged, and offered support that feels right for you.
Complete the form below for help and support
We aim to contact you within 1-2 business days.