Ahimsa’s Integrated Partner Service -
Support, Safety and Autonomy
Dedicated support for partners and ex-partners of people on the Ahimsa programme. We can support people in heterosexual, gay, lesbian and transgender relationships, whatever the gender of the person causing harm.
When we receive a referral onto the programme, we ask for the contact details of any current or ex-partners. We then reach out to those individuals directly to offer support.
We understand that you may feel uncomfortable talking about the abuse you have experienced. We will always respond to your needs sensitively, and at your pace.
This support is for you
The support we offer is led entirely by you — by what you want and need. It is always your choice whether to engage with us or not. We want to support you to feel safe and secure, whether you are still in the relationship or not. We support you to make decisions about your relationship that feel right for you.
You have your own dedicated worker. What you share with your worker is kept confidential within our team. It is never shared with your (ex)partner.
What we offer
Safety advice and information about other services available to you
Support throughout the family court process, if your (ex)partner is on a contact activity order to undergo the programme and your case is overseen by CAFCASS
In-depth therapeutic support to help you process your experiences — including work on trauma, anxiety and depression, your own patterns of relating, parenting concerns, and decisions about your future
Face-to-face support at our Plymouth office, or online and telephone support where appropriate
Ongoing support following your (ex)partner's completion of the programme. If your (ex)partner disengages from the programme, we will continue to offer you support
What happens with your partner's (or ex partner’s) programme work?
When your partner or ex-partner joins the Ahimsa programme, a dedicated team will be in touch with you directly to offer support.
The work we do with you is led by you. You don't have to engage - it is always your choice. And whatever you choose, your safety and wellbeing matters to us regardless of whether they complete the programme or not.
Our teams work closely together behind the scenes - sharing what they need to in order to manage risk and understand the full picture - but what you share with your worker stays with your worker. It is never passed back to your partner.
Support for you and your children
If you have children, we can offer support with parenting concerns and decisions. We can also support you through the family court process if your (ex)partner is attending the programme under a contact activity order overseen by CAFCASS.
The difference it makes
Based on feedback from partners and ex-partners who have accessed our support:
100% felt listened to
100% felt their children were safer during contact
100% said their relationship with their (ex)partner had improved (reflecting improved communication and safety — not necessarily remaining in the relationship.)
66% reported a reduction or cessation of violence and abuse
66% said their sense of wellbeing had improved
Feedback from clients of our Integrated Partner Service:
"It makes me sad to think of what my life would have been if I had not taken advantage of the Ahimsa partner service. Whilst it has been one of the toughest journeys I have ever been on, and it's not yet over, it has been the most rewarding and worthwhile experience of my life and I will be forever grateful."
"To have a place of safety to discuss the difficulties I faced with my children's father, without judgement or consequence has been invaluable. My worker has helped me to overcome my memories of physical and emotional abuse, by helping me to understand it wasn't my fault, and more importantly that I didn't deserve it."
"My support worker has helped me identify and understand my anxiety, taught me how to relate with it and how to 'be kind' to myself during these times. I'm hopeful these things equipped me for a healthier, happier future."
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Your support worker will treat all information about you confidentially within Ahimsa. Whilst relevant information is shared within the service — between our teams — it is never revealed to your partner or ex-partner directly. Where there is a concern for your safety, your children's safety, or the safety of others, this will always be discussed with you and shared with relevant agencies in line with our confidentiality policy.
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Yes. Your safety and wellbeing is our priority. We will work with you to make sure you can access the service safely. Your (ex)partner will never know if you have taken up support, or what you have shared.
Call Us
01752 213535
Not sure if Ahimsa is right for you? Call us and we'll talk it through — whatever brings you here.
