LGBTQ+ and domestic Abuse Domestic abuse is a serious issue that affects people from all backgrounds, including those in the LGBTQ+ community. While the dynamics of abuse in LGBTQ+ relationships can share similarities with those in heterosexual relationships, there are also unique challenges and barriers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. Sadly this abuse is greatly under reported. We encourage open conversations about domestic abuse within LGBTQ+ communities. This is crucial for raising awareness, breaking the stigma, and fostering a supportive environment where individuals feel safe seeking help. AIM Northwest encourage conversation about domestic abuse within the LGBT community. We believe the need for this abuse to be discussed more openly so that those suffering from abuse can: Understand and accept that abuse does happen in the LGBTQ community Know that its ok to ask for help and that help is available Recognise when they may be suffering abuse or when someone they know is suffering from abuse. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or relationship status. It can be physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or psychological. Recognising abuse can be difficult, especially when it comes from someone you love and trust. It’s important to know that experiencing abuse is never your fault, and you deserve to feel safe, respected, and valued in your relationships. There is a lack of awareness about what constitutes domestic violence within LGBTQ+ relationships, This can lead to underreporting and a lack of support for victims. We understand the stigma and discrimination you may have faced from service providers, know that we understand, we are ready to provide you confidential, safe, free from discrimination help and support. Physical - (kicking, punching, spitting, Burning) Emotional - (threats, insulting, putting you down) Sexual - (forcing sex acts or to watch or take part in sexual act against your will) Financial - (controlling benefits/wage, stalking, or harassing you at work, getting you in trouble with your employer) Psychological - (controlling benefits/wage, stalking, or harassing you at work, getting you in trouble with your employer) if you are unsure whether you are suffering from domestic abuse then please read the list of questions below below. If you answer YES to any of the questions, get in touch with us for some advice: Are you having your gender transition medication withheld? Is your partner threatening to reveal you gender or sexual identity to others without consent? is your partner or close family threating to reveal medication conditions such as HIV to other people or employers? Are you being prevented from having any control over your finances? Are you being subjected to physical abuse such as being bit, hit, kicked, or punched? Are you being called names, being insulted, belittled or is your family or partner refusing to address you with your identified pronouns or by ridiculing your appearance and identity. Are you feeling fearful, tearful or anxious about being in your own home? To contact us, head to our support page or call us at: Get Support 01942 918 648

AIM Northwest is charity dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by domestic violence and abuse. Operating with compassion, empathy, and unwavering commitment, the charity provides a lifeline for those facing challenging circumstances, offering a range of services tailored to their needs. 1/4 Our Story AIM Northwest is a domestic abuse charity founded in 2020. We work with men, women and children affected by abuse. Click below to find learn about the inspiring story of how and why we were founded and to learn more about our board of trustees. Read More Seek Help If you think you may be affected by domestic abuse, we are here to help. Please click below to find out more about how we can help. For an immediate response please call us on. 01942 918 648 Read More Support Us There are many ways in which you can support us besides the obvious financial donations that we would be pleased to accept. Click below to find out how you can help to support AIM Northwest. Read More Latest News Keep up to date with all the latest activities, upcoming events, success stories, and new services we provide, amongst other news stories. Read More Forthcoming Events No events at the moment

The gift of your time is greatly appreciated AIM Northwest is currently looking for anyone interested in volunteering their time to help with fundraising activities, online, or face-to-face or becoming a mentor. Become a Volunteer The gift of your time is greatly appreciated AIM Northwest is currently looking for anyone interested in volunteering their time to help with fundraising activities, online, or face-to-face or becoming a mentor. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer click below. Got questions? Email volunteer@aimnorthwest.org.uk Volunteer Application Form Click to volunteer Buddy Mentor Work 1-2-1 with clients suffering abuse Meet face to face/talk regularly Accredited Training given Expenses paid Trustee Help define and implement the strategic direction for the charity. Listening Mentor Work with clients through phone conversations to help and support them Accredited training given Expenses paid Other Opportunities Volunteer to help at fundraisers Help out at coffee mornings Work within the shop

We offer practical 1-2-1 support to improve circumstances that lead to difficult relationships and home environments, to prevent and reduce incidents of domestic abuse. Positive Change Our ‘Positive change’ service supports those who are single or within the family unit, we accept referrals from men and women who are at risk of offending, are currently offending, or have a history of offending . We offer practical 1-2-1 support to improve circumstances that lead to difficult relationships and home environments, to prevent and reduce incidents of domestic abuse. If you require support for any of the following reasons then the ‘positive change’ service can help you. Criminal Justice System Support Financial Wellbeing Mental Health Wellbeing Social Inclusion Housing Needs Or Prison Resettlement Family Support Substance Or Alcohol Misuse Anger Management We offer non-judgmental advice and support. If you are not sure whether you may be at risk of domestic abuse or at risk of perpetrating domestic abuse please see our checklist to help you. Download our referral form and return it to enquiries@aimnorthwest.org.uk Respect 1-2-1 Who we support: • Individuals assessed as low to medium risk. •     Aged 16+ Our pathways: •     10‑week Early Intervention & Awareness Programme. •     16+ week Behaviour Change Programme for those needing more structured support to change their behaviour. Who we cannot support: •     High‑risk cases. •     We will always signpost to specialist services in Wigan where a higher level of support is needed. Our approach: •     Respect‑aligned •     Safety‑focused •     Accountability‑based Referral for Prevent Services Prevent Services form If you are referring to the Respect 1-2-1 or group behaviour change programme delivered by AIM Northwest, please read the criteria policy before making a referral. If you would like more information on this before making a referral then please make contact with the team on 01942 918648. Respect 1-2-1 Policy Peer Support and Drop Ins Weekly Stepping Stones Drop‑In Thursdays, 10:00 - 11:30 am Our weekly drop‑ins are open to anyone who needs prevent support. You don’t need an appointment and you don’t need to be accessing any of our other services. Just walk in. Stepping Stones offers: •     Computer access for job‑seeking, applying for benefits or completing online forms •     Use of a phone to contact other services •     Light‑touch support to improve health and wellbeing •     A welcoming, supportive space to talk or get practical help We meet in a relaxed common room with pool table, table hockey and table tennis fostering a positive, relaxed environment to engage with a drink.

Meet the team and find out who helps keep the AIM Northwest running Our Team Kerry Bamber Co-Founder and Service Lead Colette Borrill Chair Danny Taylor Deputy Chair Richard Mundy Treasurer Sharon Fleming Trustee Martin Hoolickin Trustee Michaela Hughes-Burley Trustee Cath Prince Co-Founder Paris Wells Admin Support Kyle Barbara Peer Mentor Rachael Sherlock Fundraising Co-ordinator James Bamber Operational Support Dean Taylor Support and Prevent worker Rebecca Moore Support and Prevent Worker Verore Guni Admin Support James storey Trustee Emily Barnwell Support and Prevent Worker Jemima Grimshaw Peer Mentor Lisa Greenhalgh Peer Mentor Andrew Dodsworth Trustee Craig Holden Trustee Gillian Powel Peer Mentor Gillian Bowyer Uniformity project assistant Sri Ambiga Admin Support Ammara Urooj Uniformity shop assistant Megan Johnston Peer Mentor Ravin Seecharan Peer Mentor Sam Lloyd Web and graphic Development Join the team In loving memory of Hazel Williams One of the founding trustees and former chair, she played an instrumental part in the setup of the charity. Since its inception, she continued to play a major role and made a huge contribution to our successes to date. Her legacy will certainly live on with the foundations she has laid down to help support those in need. She will be sadly missed by everyone connected with AIM Northwest.

abuse and BAME communities. Domestic abuse in the BAME community is a prevalent but may present differently to what we see in the UK. There are more reports of abuse being perpetrated by family members from minority communities. The below are types of abuse we see unique to BAME communities: Forced marriages “Forced marriage is a marriage in which one or more of the parties is married without their consent or against their will. A marriage can also become a forced marriage even if both parties enter with full consent if one or both are later forced to stay in the marriage against their will.” FMJ “Female Genital Mutilation (often referred to as FGM) is a destructive operation, during which the female genitals are partly or entirely removed or injured with the aim of inhibiting a woman’s sexual feelings. Most often the mutilation is performed before puberty, often on girls between the age of four and eight, but recently it is increasingly performed on babies who are only a couple of days, weeks, or months old.” Cultural barriers Being forced to remain in the relationship due to cultural barriers and beliefs. “Cultural beliefs can mean that those in abusive relationships feel compelled to stay due to fear of being rejected from by their family and or community” Whilst we accept that there are additional barriers to accepting support, you have a right to live a life free from abuse, we can offer you confidential support and advice, in a place that is safe for you. We can help you to look at the options that are available to you, giving you full control of any decision, you need to make. We care about you and will work to reduce barrier to you accessing help. Getting help Language barrier – we have access to independent interpreters who will support you to access and understand the help you need. Immigration status – whether you have a secure immigration status or insecure status AIM Northwest will offer you support. You have a right to be safe from abuse. Cultural awareness – we offer advice, guidance, and support on cultural and religious differences between the UK and BAME countries in order to prevent and reduce offending behaviours.

Find out how you can donate, volunteer or assist us in achieving our goals of supporting those in need. Support Us How We Use Your Donations All donations are used to help run AIM Northwest. Some donations are made for specific purposes and these will only be used for those purposes. General donations may be used for any of our expenses. Currently, these include, but are not limited to: Volunteer expenses Our Website- including support and maintenance Premises in Leigh Insurance Expenses for events Professional services Find Out More Ways You Can Support Us Donate Donate Donate your cash or resources Find Out More Shop Explore our charity shop Find Out More Volunteer Give the gift of time Find Out More Events Join us to help make a difference Find Out More Partners Find out how we can help you Find Out More

Uniformity Prom Dresses The Uniformity Project bring a collection of beautiful dressess and suits to you with thanks to our wonderful Models. Tulle Gown Size 12 Beautiful Pink, princess style Dress perfect for anyone wanting to feel like a princess. Champagne Rose Size 12 Champagne Rose a beautiful sophisticated style, perfect for any occassions. The Bella dress Size 14 Vibrant, playful, and full of confidence A striking three-quarter length fuchsia pink gown designed to turn heads. With its bold colour and flattering shape, Bella is perfect for making a fun, confident statement and standing out from the crowd. The Hazel Dress Size 14 The Hazel Dress, perfect earthy tones with a subtle golden glint, perfect elegance The Chloe Dress Chloe Dress - short and memorable The Esme Dress Size 14 Soft, charming, and simply beautiful Elena Size 14 Elena Dress- Elegant both in colour and stye, a classic show stopping dress The Audrey Dress Size 10 The definition of timeless sophistication A classic little black mid-length dress designed for effortless elegance. With clean lines and a flattering silhouette, Audrey is the perfect choice for a chic, polished prom look that never goes out of style. The Celeste Dress Size 14 Heavenly Celeste dress - a dress that sparkles under the party lights. Bella Bow Dress Size 8/10 Bella Bow Dress - Glamorous prom dress The Viviene Size XL (14/16) The Viviene metalic Dress Sapphire Size 8 Sapphire Dress - a gemstone of royal blue elegance. Ivy Dress The Ivy Dress The Sahara Dress Size 14/16 Warm, radiant, and effortlessly glamorous A floor-length brown-gold gown with delicate sequin detailing that catches the light beautifully. With its rich tones and subtle sparkle, Sahara is perfect for creating a glowing, standout look with a touch of luxury. The Ocean Dress Size 10 Ocean Dress The Jade Dress Size XL (14 /16) The Jade Dress - beautiful deep green dress with plenty of sparkle. Sebrina Dress Size 10 Sebrina Gown The Sienna Dress Size 18 Timeless elegance in deep midnight tones A floor-length dark blue gown that flows beautifully with every step. Its rich colour and classic silhouette create a sophisticated, graceful look perfect for making a quiet but unforgettable statement at prom. The Aria Dress Size Small (8/10) Sharp, sleek, and effortlessly powerful A floor-length black gown with a high neckline and tailored, figure-hugging fit. Sleeveless and strikingly simple, Aria is designed for confidence perfect for making a bold, sophisticated statement at prom. The Nova Drerss Size 12 Shimmering elegance that lights up the room A floor-length mid-blue sequin gown designed to sparkle from every angle. With its figure-skimming silhouette and radiant finish, Nova is perfect for standing out and owning the spotlight all night long. The Scarlett Dress Size 14 Bold, confident, and effortlessly captivating A striking red mid-length gown featuring a halter neckline that beautifully frames the shoulders. With its flattering shape and vibrant colour, Scarlett is perfect for making a confident and unforgettable entrance. The Willow Dress Size XL (14/16) Soft, graceful, and effortlessly elegant A beautiful three-quarter length gown in a delicate duck egg green shade. With its gentle flow and flattering silhouette, Willow is perfect for a fresh, understated look that feels both modern and timeless. Elliot – clean and refined Leo – light, modern, popular Load More

AIM Northwest was founded in 2020 by survivors of domestic abuse Catherine Prince and Kerry Bamber. As colleagues and friends, Cath and Kerry had a shared passion and drive to make a difference for those affected by domestic abuse. Their vision was to establish a charity that tackles domestic abuse, where ‘ALL INDIVIDUALS MATTER’. Our Story AIM Northwest was founded in 2020 by survivors of domestic abuse Catherine Prince and Kerry Bamber. As colleagues and friends, Cath and Kerry had a shared passion and drive to make a difference for those affected by domestic abuse. Their vision was to establish a charity that tackles domestic abuse, where ‘ALL INDIVIDUALS MATTER’. Men, women and children, whether they be victims or perpetrators. These are the foundation values on which AIM Northwest was created. Kerry has for the last 3 years continued to dedicate her time to the growth and development of AIM Northwest. Read her inspirational story below kerry's story Kerry's Story "I was a strong character, 20 years old and in love for the first time." As soon as I fell pregnant, everything changed. I suddenly became his property, he told me what I could and couldn’t do, who I could see and couldn’t see, until I wasn’t allowed to see anyone. Totally isolated, I wasn’t allowed to work or have my own money. It made me feel reliant on him and completely worthless. Abused, physically and emotionally until I was a shadow of the person I once was. Even though I am from a loving and supportive family I felt that I had no choices, heavily pregnant, spending a night at the bus station in Leigh when he threw me out of the flat one night. Too ashamed to tell my friends or family what I had allowed myself to become. Domestic abuse is a lonely place. Our Vision To live life free from abuse or abusing Our Mission To provide intervention support for families affected by domestic abuse. Including the abused, abuser and affected children. To work in partnership with other agencies in the fight against abuse. To raise awareness about domestic abuse within our communities. Give the victims the confidence to be brave in adversity and report abuse and seek help. To Empower those affected by domestic abuse to create a safer, happier home environment. Our Values To work without judgement. We believe that all individuals matter, whether that be the victim or perpetrator. You can come and speak to us without being judged or rejected. To persevere. To accept, if now is not the right time and to always leave our door open, never turning anyone away. To allow people to make their own decisions. We believe that those we support have the right to an informed choice and to make their own decisions. Confidentiality. We believe in providing an environment to talk openly and safely. To work transparently, we will be open and honest with those who trust, support or work with us. Meet The Team Collaborators Support Us Find out who is Assisting us in following our values Meet the team that makes this all possible Help us achieve our Mission by supporting us any way you can Collaborators Team members Support Us

We shine a spotlight on those who contribute to AIM Northwest in many different ways, with your continued help we can ensure that we make a big difference within the community. To those who support us already, we say a huge thank you! How to Become a Partner We shine a spotlight on those who contribute to AIM Northwest in many different ways, with your continued help we can ensure that we make a big difference within the community. To those who support us already, we say a huge thank you! To those looking to support us in anyway, there are lots of options for you to help out, simply drop us an email to enquiries@aimnorthwest.org.uk and we’d be delighted to welcome you as a partner. Friends Of AIM Northwest PNP Electrical Services Arnold Clark Community Fund Morrisons Ultimate Products Forever Manchester The Weavers Arms Kualo 3 Retro Admirals labels and print Emtec Climate Solutions Lowton Social Club Vicki McFarlane Chester RaceCourse Nellies Artisan Events The Robin Hood Greggs PWG Gresham Cineworld Wigan Athletic FC MD Hutton Joinery LTD Always Loved Gifts Manchester City FC Leigh Spinners Mill The Pegs Langtern GR8 Sports Nicola Mitchell Mortgages & Protection Leigh Printers Asda Slattery MWIB Morrisons Tesco See Our Collaborators Collaborators