The ILAM programme
MK Act runs an eight week “THE ILAM PROGRAMME” course, created and designed for victims-survivors of domestic abuse in the Diverse Ethnic Minority Communities.
This course is facilitated face to face for 90 minutes once a week where we explore the beliefs of the perpetrator, the different types of domestic abuse, and how to recognise the early warning signs. The course also aims to increase self-esteem and confidence.
Incorporating the exploration of diverse topics including religion versus cultural beliefs, forced marriages v arranged marriages as well as so called “HONOR” v Honor-based-violence as part of domestic abuse.
We look at how children are affected by being exposed to this kind of abuse and very importantly how their lives are improved when the abuse is removed.
Although joining a group programme can initially feel quite daunting or embarrassing, the survivors who have completed them find the process incredibly healing, and meeting other people who have had similar experiences has been a great encouragement.
Some amazing, supportive friendships have come out of the programmes.
The programme is free of charge but registration is required.
Groups are always female only or males only.
For further information and to find out about the referral process kindly email the ILAM TEAM: [email protected]
What people say about the ILAM programme:
“I wish I was doing The ILAM Project at the age of 16. I was struggling, how will I cope and when I connected with this project I did not feel alone. I now have the courage in myself to be on my own, I feel powerful and independent.”
– ILAM Programme Delegate
“In terms of my healing journey, The ILAM Project is helping me, I have stopped blaming myself, and denying that there was any abuse which made me stay longer. I am recognizing now that it was Abuse. I am flourishing, I feel much happier.”
– ILAM Programme Delegate
“This kind of support is a lifeline, not only do we learn, we share the knowledge, delving into the deep imbedded culture that the diverse community are bought up with. This project offers a challenge to the mindset, exploring living a healthy side of a relationship, discussing the difference of what has been experienced and the unhealthy side.
We looked at the religious cultural challenges being forced by the society to support the ‘family honor’ . The peace goes when anyone is being dictated to, controlled, being put under surveillance and having no healthy growth in freedom of choice in education, social interaction, and having the freedom to marry of your choice. This project has given many clients the chance to feel the freedom, satisfaction to take their power back, and protect themselves, their children, and to teach the empowering lessons of priceless beauty of living healthy.”
– Professional from the Milton Keynes Community
“I just want to say thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to attend the Ilam group yesterday.
I found the whole experience very moving and emotional and thought the women were amazing. They clearly felt very comfortable and so valued and appeared to gain so much by having a space to talk about these difficult and painful realities and experiences.
As someone who works with mainly male perpetrators it is so helpful to hear about the impact from the women themselves as it makes it so real.
I thought you both had a lovely manner with the women and clearly know so much.
Thank you so much again.
– Professional from the Milton Keynes Community