From Survivor to Thriver: Hearing from Those Who Have Lived Through IPV

Overview

This powerful and reflective training invites professionals to hear directly from those who have lived through intimate partner violence (IPV). Through three moving survivor stories, we explore what helps people rebuild their lives after abuse, the importance of being truly heard, and the ongoing impact on children and family dynamics.

Each story offers a unique insight into the complexity of recovery — highlighting the strength of those who have endured, the moments that made a difference, and how being supported through a Solution-Focused, client-led approach helped them move from survivor to thriver.

Between each video, delegates will join facilitated breakout discussions to reflect, share learning, and explore how these voices can inform more compassionate, effective practice.

This training will be facilitated by award-winning trainers Ayse Adil and Joe Lettieri, co-founders of Family Based Solutions. With decades of frontline experience supporting families affected by domestic abuse and child-to-parent violence, Ayse and Joe bring warmth, expertise and deep practical understanding to every session.

Training Structure

Part 1 – Searching for the Right Support
We begin by hearing from a man who experienced domestic abuse and speaks openly about his journey to find the right kind of help. His story highlights how a client-led approach enabled him to rebuild trust, gain confidence, and take small steps towards recovery.
Breakout discussion: What does a truly client-led approach look like in our practice?

Part 2 – Healing as a Family
A mother and her two teenage daughters share their experience of enduring years of coercive and psychological control from a husband and father. Their story explores the emotional complexity that followed his passing — including grief, guilt, and the challenges of supporting a daughter with autism and another struggling with suicidal thoughts. This case study highlights how family therapy and a Solution-Focused approach supported their gradual reconnection.
Breakout discussion: How can we support families navigating trauma, loss and neurodiversity within the same space?

Part 3 – Rebuilding Life as a Father
The final story comes from a male survivor who became a single parent after surviving severe physical abuse. He reflects on the long road to safety and on learning what it means to be a healthy, nurturing father to his three sons. His journey offers deep insight into resilience, identity and the possibility of growth after violence.
Breakout discussion: What helps survivors rediscover their role as parents and rebuild safe, trusting relationships with their children?

Learning Outcomes and Benefits

By the end of this training, participants will:

• Gain first-hand insight into the lived experience of IPV survivors and the lasting impact on family relationships.
• Understand how Solution-Focused conversations can help clients move from crisis to recovery.
• Reflect on practice approaches that centre voice, choice and collaboration.
• Explore the impact of domestic abuse on children and ways to support families to reconnect safely.
• Leave with renewed confidence to apply strength-based, trauma-informed strategies in their work.

Who Should Attend

This training is suitable for professionals working in:

• Domestic abuse and family support services
• Social care and early help
• Education and youth services
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Police, probation and criminal justice
• Community and voluntary sectors

Training will be delivered online via Zoom