About us

DEMETER IS A NON PROFIT MAKING ORGANISATION, DEDICATED TO SERVING THE COMMUNITY

Demeter was Formed in 2004. The company consists of survivors, support workers, theatre practitioners and students, working with a diverse number of organisations and individuals, in an attempt to generate a `multi-agency` approach to the eradication of Domestic Abuse.

Demeter was launched as a company at the Domestic Violence Conference in Truro, 2004. We were commissioned to devise a 20-minute play relating to DV and health issues. The primary focus of the performance was to tackle the issue of 'disclosure of domestic violence'. Health professionals are ideally placed to unearth Domestic Violence, however, cannot do so without the training, knowledge and awareness of the support services.

' It is recognised that there is a 30% increase in female disclosure when the victim is actively asked about domestic violence'

(source: McLeer and Anwar, 1989).

The aim of this specific work was to encourage 'multi agency work'; where different organisations can talk, communicate and work together to end Domestic abuse.

It is still Demeter's belief that the 'multi Agency approach' is a vital tool in the eradication of Domestic Abuse.

Since 2004, demeter has developed significantly and our focus has widened immensely, We have developed new programmes that extend into schools and colleges, We believe it is essential that awareness of Domestic Violence issues begin at an early age. Children need to be able to voice their concerns and their thoughts, feelings and experiences in a safe and nurturing environment.

' Work in schools and youth settings offers exciting scope for influencing young people's attitude. The need is great. As many as half of young men, and a third of young women, think there are circumstances in which it is acceptable for a man to hit a female partner. 84% of secondary school children want lessons on DV. Young people want participative learning about DV in schools. They find discussion and drama good ways to learn'

Audrey Mullender, University of Warwick, Crime Reduction Research Series, January 2000.

This may sound very logical, and many may think that these practices already exist. The truth is, however, that women, children and victims of domestic violence are not offered or made aware of these life saving services. Many hospitals, schools and doctors waiting rooms do not even have domestic violence posters with contact numbers on their walls. This is what Demeter aims to change .

As a Theatre Company, we can offer Schools, Hospitals and other statutory organisations tailor made plays and workshops that relate to DV. Whether its educating young people that any form of abuse is not acceptable, or working with solicitors (for example) as to how they can offer 'tips' for women who wish to leave violent partners whilst fulfilling their legal duties, the main focus of these 'tips' should be based around the issue of 'HER SAFETY' this can be as simple as using a safe mailing address so as not to arouse suspicion, which inevitably would lead to an escalation of abuse.

	Please feel free to look around our website, there is individual web pages suited to various needs.
	Please be aware that although we use terminologies such as 'she, her and women' we are aware that victims of abuse can be male, female, trans-gender, heterosexual, and in same sex relationships, please refer to our help and guidance page for helplines and contacts.
	Contact us if you have any questions or queries we are always available to answer your questions.