For Domestic Abuse Support in Liverpool & Merseyside call 0151 345 0174 (9am-5pm) Answer machine 0151 345 8499
About us
Voice for Change is a Liverpool-based domestic abuse charity that has been supporting people affected by domestic abuse since 1997.
Over the years, our work has grown to include counselling, group programmes, practical support and guidance. We support people who are experiencing abuse, people trying to make sense of what has happened to them, and people who are worried about their own behaviour and want to make changes.
Our aim is simple: to help people feel safer, understand what is happening and find a way forward.
Supporting people affected by domestic abuse since 1997
Shaped by lived experience
Some of the people behind Voice for Change have personal experience of domestic abuse themselves. That matters because domestic abuse is rarely straightforward. It can affect how you feel, how you see yourself, your relationships, your family life and your sense of what is normal.
Lived experience has helped shape the way we work, alongside professional training, counselling skills and specialist knowledge. We know people do not always arrive with everything neatly worked out. You might be confused, unsure what to call what is happening, or simply know that something does not feel right. That is okay. You do not need to have all the answers before you speak to us.
How we work
We do not believe everyone needs the same kind of support. Our counselling is person-centred, trauma-informed and holistic, which really just means we look at you as a whole person and shape support around what you need. Our counsellors come from different therapeutic backgrounds, including Person-Centred Therapy and CBT, so there is no single approach that everyone has to fit into.
We also understand that domestic abuse can affect much more than emotional wellbeing. Where practical issues are part of what is happening, we will help where we can and connect you with other services when someone else is better placed to support you.
Counselling that gives you time
Some people need a few sessions. Others need longer. We usually start with an initial period of counselling and review together how things are going. If you need longer-term support, counselling can continue.
There is no expectation that difficult experiences should be sorted out within a fixed number of sessions.
Our team
Our team includes counsellors, social workers and other practitioners with experience of supporting people affected by domestic abuse.
Our counselling team includes qualified and trainee counsellors. All counsellors are BACP members or student/trainee members and work within appropriate professional, ethical and supervisory frameworks.
Relevant team members also hold enhanced DBS checks.
Supporting the professionals of the future
We also provide placements for trainee counsellors and social work students from different universities.
This gives students the chance to build a much deeper understanding of domestic abuse, trauma and the impact abuse can have on individuals and families. It also means we are helping future professionals become more confident and informed when supporting people affected by domestic abuse.
Safety comes first
We believe change is possible, but safety always comes first. When we work with someone who has caused harm, the focus is on helping them recognise their behaviour, understand the impact it has had, take responsibility and make safer choices.
We do not minimise abuse, excuse harmful behaviour or place responsibility on the person experiencing it.
Need support?
If you are not sure where to start, that is absolutely fine.
Get in touch and we can talk through what is happening and what support might be right for you.