Domestic Abuse Counselling in Brighton

Photo of Joanne Walker, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Joanne Walker
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Brighton BN2
I'm an Integrative Counsellor who has previously worked in general practice and domestic violence settings.
Whatever you're going through in life counselling provides non-judgemental and empathic support. Being seen and heard goes a long way towards starting to feel better. Honest communication tends to provide insight and clarity. This promotes growth, which ultimately results in change and acceptance. Guided reflection can help to make long lasting positive changes to you, your relationships and your future. The space to unburden and review your coping strategies can improve confidence and self-worth. You don't have to suffer alone, or worry about the impact of opening up to those around you. I look forward to working with you soon.
I'm an Integrative Counsellor who has previously worked in general practice and domestic violence settings.
Whatever you're going through in life counselling provides non-judgemental and empathic support. Being seen and heard goes a long way towards starting to feel better. Honest communication tends to provide insight and clarity. This promotes growth, which ultimately results in change and acceptance. Guided reflection can help to make long lasting positive changes to you, your relationships and your future. The space to unburden and review your coping strategies can improve confidence and self-worth. You don't have to suffer alone, or worry about the impact of opening up to those around you. I look forward to working with you soon.
07474 173880 View 07474 173880
Photo of Bronagh Hegarty - Bronagh Hegarty Therapy, MBACP, Counsellor
Bronagh Hegarty Therapy
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Brighton BN1
The breakdown of a relationship, domestic abuse, addictions or bereavements can all lead to a loss of confidence or low self-esteem which can take a toll.
Only a new path can lead to a new place. You may be suffering with trauma and navigating the repercussions of difficult events or memories. You might feel like you have lost your direction and maybe even a part of yourself along the way. I will work with you to help you to process these changes and gain a deeper understanding of the road that you have travelled so far. This can open your eyes to choices and options that might be hard for you to see right now.
The breakdown of a relationship, domestic abuse, addictions or bereavements can all lead to a loss of confidence or low self-esteem which can take a toll.
Only a new path can lead to a new place. You may be suffering with trauma and navigating the repercussions of difficult events or memories. You might feel like you have lost your direction and maybe even a part of yourself along the way. I will work with you to help you to process these changes and gain a deeper understanding of the road that you have travelled so far. This can open your eyes to choices and options that might be hard for you to see right now.
01273 092411 View 01273 092411
Photo of Candida Maltby, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Candida Maltby
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Brighton BN2
I offer a pragmatic and human approach to psychological distress. I believe we all have times in our lives when we need to sit with another person and work out what is going on and how to move past it. I offer this with warmth, compassion and experience. My background is in physical health and I am able to offer a holistic approach to therapy. I have experience working with people who also have long-term physical health conditions, and am very aware of how these aspects interweave and impact on the person. I work with abuse issues and have experience working with domestic and sexual violence, to gain clarity and understanding.
I offer a pragmatic and human approach to psychological distress. I believe we all have times in our lives when we need to sit with another person and work out what is going on and how to move past it. I offer this with warmth, compassion and experience. My background is in physical health and I am able to offer a holistic approach to therapy. I have experience working with people who also have long-term physical health conditions, and am very aware of how these aspects interweave and impact on the person. I work with abuse issues and have experience working with domestic and sexual violence, to gain clarity and understanding.
01273 092158 View 01273 092158
Photo of Yvonne Wood, MBACP, Counsellor
Yvonne Wood
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Brighton BN2
I can support you with issues of anxiety, depression, relationships, family difficulties, domestic abuse, trauma, and bereavement, and I have worked extensively with adults recovering from child sexual abuse and associated trauma.
Hello, my name is Yvonne and I would like to extend a warm welcome to you. I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and adhere to their ethical framework. I am warm and empathetic and I fully support mental health well-being, self-awareness, and personal self-development. My philosophy is that you are an individual with life experiences unique to you. I believe you are the expert on yourself and offer you a safe and confidential space in which you can express yourself in a setting where you are truly heard. If you would like an informal chat please email me.
I can support you with issues of anxiety, depression, relationships, family difficulties, domestic abuse, trauma, and bereavement, and I have worked extensively with adults recovering from child sexual abuse and associated trauma.
Hello, my name is Yvonne and I would like to extend a warm welcome to you. I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and adhere to their ethical framework. I am warm and empathetic and I fully support mental health well-being, self-awareness, and personal self-development. My philosophy is that you are an individual with life experiences unique to you. I believe you are the expert on yourself and offer you a safe and confidential space in which you can express yourself in a setting where you are truly heard. If you would like an informal chat please email me.
01273 092166 View 01273 092166
Photo of Jennifer Zaidi Specialist Trauma Informed Coaching Psychologist And Therapist, MSc, HCPC - Ed. Psych., Psychologist
Jennifer Zaidi Specialist Trauma Informed Coaching Psychologist And Therapist
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Ed. Psych.
Verified Verified
Brighton BN1
Hello, I'm a Therapist and Chartered Coaching Psychologist. I can work with you on life changes. I have many years of specialist training and experience of helping people who have experienced abuse and trauma, which continues to affect many areas of their life even now in the present moment. I can offer you a space to think, be and take action. I work both online via Zoom and F2F. People who have worked with me say that I have been kind, calm, supportive, helpful and non-judgemental in our work together. I can begin to help you to feel safe enough to work through difficult feelings, emotions and thoughts from our very first session.
Hello, I'm a Therapist and Chartered Coaching Psychologist. I can work with you on life changes. I have many years of specialist training and experience of helping people who have experienced abuse and trauma, which continues to affect many areas of their life even now in the present moment. I can offer you a space to think, be and take action. I work both online via Zoom and F2F. People who have worked with me say that I have been kind, calm, supportive, helpful and non-judgemental in our work together. I can begin to help you to feel safe enough to work through difficult feelings, emotions and thoughts from our very first session.
020 3823 6144 View 020 3823 6144
Photo of Recovery From Trauma And Abuse. Kelly Andrews, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Recovery From Trauma And Abuse. Kelly Andrews
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Brighton BN2
Struggling with low mood, anxiety, trust and relationship issues? The root cause could be unresolved trauma. With 20 years of evidence-based care, I help people who have experienced trauma and abuse move past pain and into the life they want.
Struggling with low mood, anxiety, trust and relationship issues? The root cause could be unresolved trauma. With 20 years of evidence-based care, I help people who have experienced trauma and abuse move past pain and into the life they want.
01273 092870 View 01273 092870
Photo of Ayndrilla Singharay, MBACP, Counsellor
Ayndrilla Singharay
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Brighton BN2
I have eleven years of experience in the charity and teaching sectors and have worked with domestic violence, children with special educational needs, illness, postnatal depression, estrangement, addiction and bereavement.
You may be struggling to cope with life's demands, or wanting to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your story. My aim is to be with you and alongside you. Through our relationship we can try to make sense of some of the challenges that come with being human.
I have eleven years of experience in the charity and teaching sectors and have worked with domestic violence, children with special educational needs, illness, postnatal depression, estrangement, addiction and bereavement.
You may be struggling to cope with life's demands, or wanting to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your story. My aim is to be with you and alongside you. Through our relationship we can try to make sense of some of the challenges that come with being human.
01273 964495 View 01273 964495
Photo of George Dickinson, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
George Dickinson
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Brighton BN1
I am a specialist in working with trauma and sexual abuse, and, consequently, have extensive experience working with complex trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, intimacy issues, shame, feeling stuck and low self-esteem.
In my practice, the therapeutic relationship is a space where difficult life experiences can be worked through. I take an integrative approach, in which I encourage you to be curious about how your difficulties relate to previous experiences and your expectations for yourself and others. This often brings up feelings that can seem unwelcome and I work with you to help you understand unwanted emotions and connect to your body. My approach aims to deepen your self-awareness in the here-and-now as this helps you to understand and feel compassion for yourself, and be okay in who you are.
I am a specialist in working with trauma and sexual abuse, and, consequently, have extensive experience working with complex trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, intimacy issues, shame, feeling stuck and low self-esteem.
In my practice, the therapeutic relationship is a space where difficult life experiences can be worked through. I take an integrative approach, in which I encourage you to be curious about how your difficulties relate to previous experiences and your expectations for yourself and others. This often brings up feelings that can seem unwelcome and I work with you to help you understand unwanted emotions and connect to your body. My approach aims to deepen your self-awareness in the here-and-now as this helps you to understand and feel compassion for yourself, and be okay in who you are.
01273 092819 View 01273 092819
Photo of Stephanie Pearce, MBACP, Counsellor
Stephanie Pearce
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Brighton BN1
I also specialise in domestic violence and abuse.
We all have times in our lives when we find it difficult to cope, causing us issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, feelings of emptiness, loneliness, anger and relationship problems. I offer a place to work out what is going for you, in a safe, non-judgmental and confidential space. Sometimes we are aware of issues that are causing our distress and sometimes not. Being able to work out exactly what is going on for each of us as an individual, can be the key to change.
I also specialise in domestic violence and abuse.
We all have times in our lives when we find it difficult to cope, causing us issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, feelings of emptiness, loneliness, anger and relationship problems. I offer a place to work out what is going for you, in a safe, non-judgmental and confidential space. Sometimes we are aware of issues that are causing our distress and sometimes not. Being able to work out exactly what is going on for each of us as an individual, can be the key to change.
01273 092598 View 01273 092598
Photo of Amelia Sturdy, MA, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist
Amelia Sturdy
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
Brighton BN1
And with children who have experienced abuse, bereavement, domestic violence and parental separation.
I am a HCPC ( Health and Care Professions Council) and BAAT (British Association of Art Therapists) registered Art Psychotherapist who specialises in working with children and young people. I provide a safe, confidential space for children to explore their inner world through art making and creativity. Children often struggle to express themselves through words. Art can act as a medium through which a child communicates their thoughts and feelings in a more natural, less direct way. These feelings and experiences can then be thought about and processed safely.
And with children who have experienced abuse, bereavement, domestic violence and parental separation.
I am a HCPC ( Health and Care Professions Council) and BAAT (British Association of Art Therapists) registered Art Psychotherapist who specialises in working with children and young people. I provide a safe, confidential space for children to explore their inner world through art making and creativity. Children often struggle to express themselves through words. Art can act as a medium through which a child communicates their thoughts and feelings in a more natural, less direct way. These feelings and experiences can then be thought about and processed safely.
01273 092045 View 01273 092045
Photo of Alison Edwards, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Alison Edwards
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Brighton BN1
I offer one-to-one therapy to support you in finding ways to make changes in your life that will help you feel better and improve your confidence and sense of well-being. I have experience working with a wide range of issues which include, depression/sadness, anxiety, stress, anger, loneliness, social rejection, low self-esteem, lack of motivation, bereavement/loss, abuse, parenting concerns, and difficulties related to sleep, alcohol, drugs and food. I draw on my counselling and psychological training to tailor sessions to individual needs.
I offer one-to-one therapy to support you in finding ways to make changes in your life that will help you feel better and improve your confidence and sense of well-being. I have experience working with a wide range of issues which include, depression/sadness, anxiety, stress, anger, loneliness, social rejection, low self-esteem, lack of motivation, bereavement/loss, abuse, parenting concerns, and difficulties related to sleep, alcohol, drugs and food. I draw on my counselling and psychological training to tailor sessions to individual needs.
01273 092877 View 01273 092877
Photo of Monika Madej-Torentz, MBACP, Counsellor
Monika Madej-Torentz
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Brighton BN1
Neurodiverse and neurotypical welcome. Counselling students welcome £45ps. I'm specialising in ADHD, relationship, trauma and domestic abuse. With background in Person Centred counselling I specialise in working with ADHD client, being ADHD my self. Each and every person is different so do they experience and needs in counselling. A part of self awareness, acceptance and embracing possibilities of ADHD I'm making use of simple techniques from life coaching, NLP and DBT to manage stumbling blocks of the condition. I'm working with teenagers, adults, couples and family. More info on www.counselling4neurodiversity.com
Neurodiverse and neurotypical welcome. Counselling students welcome £45ps. I'm specialising in ADHD, relationship, trauma and domestic abuse. With background in Person Centred counselling I specialise in working with ADHD client, being ADHD my self. Each and every person is different so do they experience and needs in counselling. A part of self awareness, acceptance and embracing possibilities of ADHD I'm making use of simple techniques from life coaching, NLP and DBT to manage stumbling blocks of the condition. I'm working with teenagers, adults, couples and family. More info on www.counselling4neurodiversity.com
01273 034722 View 01273 034722
Photo of Sarah Jack, MBACP, Counsellor
Sarah Jack
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Brighton BN2  (Online Only)
I've been counselling since 1989, and have extensive experience of working with sexual abuse and trauma, parenting and attachment difficulties, identity and relationship issues, depression and anxiety, bereavement and loss. I don’t claim to be an ‘expert’ in any of these areas because everyone's response is different and what matters is you and your own unique experience of these difficulties. I am committed to collaborating with you to find the resilient, hopeful part of yourself that becomes expert in managing your challenges and is motivated by the smallest signs of progress towards your preferred future.
I've been counselling since 1989, and have extensive experience of working with sexual abuse and trauma, parenting and attachment difficulties, identity and relationship issues, depression and anxiety, bereavement and loss. I don’t claim to be an ‘expert’ in any of these areas because everyone's response is different and what matters is you and your own unique experience of these difficulties. I am committed to collaborating with you to find the resilient, hopeful part of yourself that becomes expert in managing your challenges and is motivated by the smallest signs of progress towards your preferred future.
01273 121296 View 01273 121296
Photo of Louise Grace Montgomery, MBACP, Counsellor
Louise Grace Montgomery
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Brighton BN1
I have 10 years experience working with mental health issues, addiction, domestic abuse and trauma.
Hi I'm Louise, I'm a Humanistic counsellor, I am honest, approachable and authentic. Searching for the right therapist can be hard, finding someone you can trust and feel at ease with is the first step. To help you connect with me, I offer warmth and kindness, I really care for my clients. Many people see counselling as a place where they talk and the therapist listens, I will listen, but I will also support, resource you and help you find your way to wellbeing and calm. Together we can unpick any confusion, ease anxiety and bring light to the darker parts of your world. So let's work as a team to make things better.
I have 10 years experience working with mental health issues, addiction, domestic abuse and trauma.
Hi I'm Louise, I'm a Humanistic counsellor, I am honest, approachable and authentic. Searching for the right therapist can be hard, finding someone you can trust and feel at ease with is the first step. To help you connect with me, I offer warmth and kindness, I really care for my clients. Many people see counselling as a place where they talk and the therapist listens, I will listen, but I will also support, resource you and help you find your way to wellbeing and calm. Together we can unpick any confusion, ease anxiety and bring light to the darker parts of your world. So let's work as a team to make things better.
01273 092813 View 01273 092813
Photo of Jill Deacon Online Therapy, MBACP, Counsellor
Jill Deacon Online Therapy
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Brighton BN1  (Online Only)
In addition, counselling those suffering work and study related stress, PTSD, abuse, loss and bereavement, low-self esteem and low confidence.
Speaking with someone for the first time about personal issues or trauma can feel really daunting. It is important to feel safe and not judged when talking about difficult things, and my aim is for us to develop a relationship where you can explore whatever it is that you need to. There is not an exhaustive list of the reasons for coming to counselling initially but one thing is sure and that is it begins with building trust and beginning to speak openly. Our sessions will be collaborative: I will facilitate, but you will lead the way. Even if you can't pin point why things feel difficult, you're not alone.
In addition, counselling those suffering work and study related stress, PTSD, abuse, loss and bereavement, low-self esteem and low confidence.
Speaking with someone for the first time about personal issues or trauma can feel really daunting. It is important to feel safe and not judged when talking about difficult things, and my aim is for us to develop a relationship where you can explore whatever it is that you need to. There is not an exhaustive list of the reasons for coming to counselling initially but one thing is sure and that is it begins with building trust and beginning to speak openly. Our sessions will be collaborative: I will facilitate, but you will lead the way. Even if you can't pin point why things feel difficult, you're not alone.
01273 121297 View 01273 121297
Photo of Paul Goodall, MBACP, Counsellor
Paul Goodall
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Brighton BN2
I have experience of working with neurodiversity and people with ADHD and autism, depression, anxiety, childhood abuse, trauma, anger, drug and alcohol use and other addictions.
Every person has their own unique story. What happens in our lives as our story unfolds shapes who we are, how we see and experience the world, how we feel about it and where we fit within it. Counselling can help you discover more about who you are, learn about your relationships, understand past events and how you developed, help you have deeper understanding of yourself and learn new ways to live your life. Counselling can help you change from feeling that your story is being written for you and learn how to start writing it for yourself. I currently have availability to take new clients.
I have experience of working with neurodiversity and people with ADHD and autism, depression, anxiety, childhood abuse, trauma, anger, drug and alcohol use and other addictions.
Every person has their own unique story. What happens in our lives as our story unfolds shapes who we are, how we see and experience the world, how we feel about it and where we fit within it. Counselling can help you discover more about who you are, learn about your relationships, understand past events and how you developed, help you have deeper understanding of yourself and learn new ways to live your life. Counselling can help you change from feeling that your story is being written for you and learn how to start writing it for yourself. I currently have availability to take new clients.
01273 037835 View 01273 037835
Photo of Sarah Harris Starling - Starling Counselling & Psychotherapy , MBACP, Counsellor
Starling Counselling & Psychotherapy
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Brighton BN1
(though not limited to) Borderline Personality Disorder/EID/EUPD, Trauma, PTSD/CPTSD, Anxiety, depression & mood disorders, relationship issues, attachment difficulties, childhood issues/trauma, sexual & domestic abuse.
Thanks for stopping at my profile. I'm a qualified Psychotherapist & member of the BACP, UKCP & EMDR Association UK, based in Hove, Worthing & Haywards Heath (and online). I offer a compassionate, non-judgemental & empathic stance, and challenge where appropriate. My role is to help you understand the issues you bring to therapy, including your past experiences, determining patterns that haven't served you well & the reasons behind your distress. I assist you in altering unhelpful patterns to alleviate your emotional pain & work towards making the life changes that you want, while gaining more positive experiences of the world.
(though not limited to) Borderline Personality Disorder/EID/EUPD, Trauma, PTSD/CPTSD, Anxiety, depression & mood disorders, relationship issues, attachment difficulties, childhood issues/trauma, sexual & domestic abuse.
Thanks for stopping at my profile. I'm a qualified Psychotherapist & member of the BACP, UKCP & EMDR Association UK, based in Hove, Worthing & Haywards Heath (and online). I offer a compassionate, non-judgemental & empathic stance, and challenge where appropriate. My role is to help you understand the issues you bring to therapy, including your past experiences, determining patterns that haven't served you well & the reasons behind your distress. I assist you in altering unhelpful patterns to alleviate your emotional pain & work towards making the life changes that you want, while gaining more positive experiences of the world.
01273 005039 View 01273 005039
Photo of Su Orosa, MBACP, Counsellor
Su Orosa
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brighton BN2
I work with clients who struggle with a range of issues from relationship challenges to historical sexual abuse. I work with you at your pace in a supportive, non-directive way. I won't ever tell you what to do as I trust that you can come to your own answers with the right support. You may be seeking clarity about a challenging decision to be made or you might want to explore what is blocking you from reaching your potential. It might be that you are lacking in confidence generally and you'd like to get to know who you are and start to believe in yourself. Perhaps you lost your way and you are experiencing an existential crisis.
I work with clients who struggle with a range of issues from relationship challenges to historical sexual abuse. I work with you at your pace in a supportive, non-directive way. I won't ever tell you what to do as I trust that you can come to your own answers with the right support. You may be seeking clarity about a challenging decision to be made or you might want to explore what is blocking you from reaching your potential. It might be that you are lacking in confidence generally and you'd like to get to know who you are and start to believe in yourself. Perhaps you lost your way and you are experiencing an existential crisis.
01323 921137 View 01323 921137
Photo of Melinda Filo Smith, MA, HCPC-Art Therap., Counsellor
Melinda Filo Smith
Counsellor, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
Brighton BN1
I'm a psychologist and trauma therapist with extensive experience of working with people who experienced abuse, loss, depression, anxiety, substance misuse, physical health issues. I use a highly effective neurobiology based therapy technique as well as counselling, CBT and arts therapy. I mainly work online but also offer in person sessions in Shoreham-by-sea, West Sussex.
I'm a psychologist and trauma therapist with extensive experience of working with people who experienced abuse, loss, depression, anxiety, substance misuse, physical health issues. I use a highly effective neurobiology based therapy technique as well as counselling, CBT and arts therapy. I mainly work online but also offer in person sessions in Shoreham-by-sea, West Sussex.
01903 497388 View 01903 497388
Photo of Beri Cohn, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Beri Cohn
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Brighton BN2  (Online Only)
I specialise in all forms of trauma from adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, road/work accidents, anxiety, depression, bereavement.
No one needs to suffer alone, and in fact, I like to think that no one needs to suffer at all. I have dedicated most of my adult life, helping people with their mental health, as a nurse, a social worker and as a psychologist. I have over 40 years experience in the Mental Health field, 16 of which have been with the NHS as a Senior Psychologist. I help all age groups using on-line therapy. My clients have varied needs and I offer an individual plan of treatment for each person depending upon their specific needs and goals. I also have a special interest in working with LGBTQ+ clients
I specialise in all forms of trauma from adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, road/work accidents, anxiety, depression, bereavement.
No one needs to suffer alone, and in fact, I like to think that no one needs to suffer at all. I have dedicated most of my adult life, helping people with their mental health, as a nurse, a social worker and as a psychologist. I have over 40 years experience in the Mental Health field, 16 of which have been with the NHS as a Senior Psychologist. I help all age groups using on-line therapy. My clients have varied needs and I offer an individual plan of treatment for each person depending upon their specific needs and goals. I also have a special interest in working with LGBTQ+ clients
01323 409736 View 01323 409736
1
...

See more therapy options for Brighton

Domestic Abuse Counsellors

What are the most effective ways to recover from domestic abuse?

Leaving an abusive relationship requires tremendous courage, so survivors in treatment should recognise that they have already completed the most important step. Still, the trauma of physical or emotional abuse can be difficult to process and overcome. Therapy can help survivors process trauma, grief, and difficult emotions, treat relevant mental health symptoms, and create a new framework for boundaries and relationships in the future. For some, support groups can also be an invaluable outlet for healing.

When should an individual seek help for domestic abuse?

Victims of intimate partner violence should seek help immediately. It can take substantial time, planning, energy, and courage to leave an abusive relationship, but starting the process—by seeking therapy, calling the domestic violence hotline, or simply confiding in a loved one—will help them get there. Those who have left abusive relationships but haven’t sought treatment can also greatly benefit from therapy to process and heal from the experience.

What are the consequences of staying in an abusive relationship?

Remaining in an abusive relationship has serious repercussions. In addition to the ongoing threat of physical danger and emotional abuse, research shows that intimate partner violence is associated with a range of mental health disorders including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and substance abuse. Therefore it’s important for individuals in an abusive relationship to seek help as soon as possible.

How can you get domestic abuse treatment for someone else?

It can be very complicated to identify and leave an abusive relationship; barriers include the threat of violence, financial instability, and family pressures. Those concerned about a loved one in an abusive relationship should talk to them about the situation, provide them with resources such as the domestic violence hotline, and introduce the idea of seeing a therapist due to their concern for the person’s safety and well-being.