In a Mother’s Mind: Birth mothers’ experiences of domestic abuse

 **trigger warning** although there is no description of physical acts of violence, this podcast episode discusses experiences and the impact of domestic abuse. Please take care when listening. Welcome to our third season of ‘In a Mother’s Mind’! This podcast series aims to raise awareness about the experiences and needs of women who have had children removed from their care. It was created by a group of women who have completed the Pause Programme, who all have experience of having children removed from their care.  Around 1 in 5 children in the UK experience domestic abuse, often when still in the womb. This can have a profound impact on the rest of their lives, including an increased likelihood of being subject to domestic abuse or being abusive later in life. Domestic abuse is also the most common reason for children being taken into care. In this episode, we talk to Lauren Seager-Smith, CEO of For Baby’s Sake, about breaking the intergenerational cycle of domestic abuse and what systemic changes need to happen in order to meet the individual needs of families. Suzanne and Vanessa – who have both completed the Pause Programme – then reflect on some of the complexities of protecting your children whilst also seeking support when being subject to domestic abuse.  If you’re experiencing – or are at risk of domestic abuse – you can call the free National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. There’s also more information and support – including a live chat – available on the Women’s Aid website. For Baby’s Sake works with expectant parents until the time of the baby’s second birthday. Their programme takes a whole-family approach, dealing with the entire cycle and history of domestic abuse, identifying and directly addressing the trauma or traumas that lie at the heart of the problem. Find out more about their programme and referrals here. Hosted by Helena, who has completed the Pause Programme    Also featuring Suzanne, Vanessa and Vicky, who have all completed the Pause Programme Produced by Fi Gilligan and Karina Graham  Music by Ben Jacob   Editing by Will Jacob   To find out more about Pause, visit: pause.org.uk