As described on their web site; it is a program for children who have experienced living with Domestic Violence.
The program allows my children to talk freely about their feelings, speak up about being scared, angry and unsafe.
It is a supportive platform for me to do two very important things;
1. Openly talk to my children about their experiences when they are with their father, and
2. Empowers me not to feel intimidated when talking to my children because of the PAS accusations levelled at me by callous, at all cost, Barristers.
Our visits to Aardvark or as named by my children: The Milo Place, (sessions start with hot or cold Milo) started with my children given exercise books which they covered and decorated and are readily available at home to write their feelings and thoughts on good, bad, sad and scary events. We take the books to Aardvarc and my children discuss their book entries with the two social workers running our meetings.
Discussions and activities my children take part in are to right the falsehood that;
· children tell lies or make up stories of abuse,
· reinforce that it’s ‘not their fault’,
· we believe you,
· abuse is not acceptable behaviour, and
· they don’t deserve the abuse.
Furthermore, Aardvarc staff with my children safety strategies when they are in a bad situation.
Most importantly I was given help in explaining to my children why they had to go to their fathers and that the Law makes the decisions.
Before having contact with Aardvarc, I withdrew from talking to my children about their experiences because I felt anything I said would be labelled as ‘abusive’. I am gradually learning phrases which support my children. The program has also allowed my children to bravely speak up about things that they thought would upset me if they told me.
A point to note is that this program does not keep notes or files; this protects the program staff from being dragged into Family Court trials and torn apart by the father’s ferocious legal team.