The Domestic Abuse Recovering Together (DART) programme is for mothers and their children aged 7 to 14 who have experienced domestic abuse.
It's a 10‑week, evidence‑based group programme designed by the NSPCC to help families begin healing together. DART gives mothers and children a safe space to talk about what they've been through, rebuild trust and strengthen their relationship.
Research shows that recovery is more effective when the non‑abusing parent takes an active role in helping their child understand and process their experiences.
How the programme works
- mothers and children attend sessions together for the first part of each week, taking part in activities that help them communicate and reconnect
- they then spend time in separate groups, where children learn about feelings and safety, and mothers learn more about how domestic abuse affects children and how to support their recovery
- at the end of each session, they come back together again
The programme focuses on helping children recover from the emotional and behavioural impacts of domestic abuse such as fear, confusion, anger and anxiety, while helping mothers feel more confident and supported in their parenting. It also helps families understand that they are not to blame for the abuse they experienced.
Who it's for
- mothers with one child aged 7 to 14 (one child attends at a time, but mothers may return with another child in future)
- families where the abuser is no longer living in the home, so that mothers and children can safely participate
- ideally, mothers will have already attended a recovery‑focused programme such as the Freedom Programme, but this is not always required
Why DART matters
Research highlights that domestic abuse can have serious and long‑term effects on children's wellbeing, behaviour, sense of safety and emotional development.
Without support, these effects can continue into adulthood. DART helps break this cycle by giving children and mothers a structured, nurturing environment where they can rebuild their relationship and recover together.
How to access
Parents: Call the Children's Front Door on 01275 888 808
Professionals: Complete the Request for Support form and email it to
childrens.frontdoor@n-somerset.gov.uk.