What Is ORLA?
ORLA stands for Overcoming, Recognising and Learning from Abuse. The course is designed to help women understand the dynamics of abuse, recognise harmful patterns, and move forward with greater clarity, safety, and self-worth.
Why ORLA Matters
The need for spaces like ORLA is clear: around 1 in 4 women (27%) in England and Wales have experienced domestic abuse since the age of 16. Abuse can leave long-lasting scars—emotional, physical, and psychological—and support in the aftermath is essential.
Domestic abuse doesn’t always look the same, and it doesn’t always come from the people you expect. Abuse can happen in romantic relationships, in families, in friendships. It can be physical, emotional, financial, or coercive.
Led by our brilliant head counsellor Ann, ORLA is a five-week course for Kyra members who have experienced abuse—whether past or ongoing. Each week, the group explores a different theme, helping women make sense of their experiences, build self-awareness, and develop tools to move forward.
A Safer Space to Learn and Reflect
ORLA is about education, but it’s also about healing. It’s not therapy, and there’s no pressure to share your story.
Instead, Ann gently guides the group through sessions that explore what abuse can look like, how it operates, and the impact it can have on your wellbeing, confidence, and relationships.
Topics include the cycle of abuse, physical and sexual violence, emotional control, family exploitation, and life after abuse. There’s also time to talk about legal rights and protections, like Clare’s Law and safety planning.
The Cycle of Abuse is a way of understanding how people remain trapped in an abusive relationship, a helpful tool we use in the ORLA course
Not Just About Leaving – About Living
One of the most powerful parts of the course comes at the end, when members reflect on how life can look on the other side of abuse.
That could mean being able to eat what you want, see your friends, cuddle your children, or just breathe more freely. It’s about reclaiming who you are and remembering what you deserve.
Why ORLA is Different
ORLA is inclusive, recognising that abuse affects people across all communities: including LGBTQ+ relationships; adult children; carers; and parents. It’s not about judging your choices or rushing your journey.
It’s about giving you the information, strength, and support you need—at your own pace.
Want to Know More?
ORLA runs in small groups at Kyra throughout the year. If you’d like to refer someone, self-refer, or just have a chat about whether it’s the right fit for you, email contact@kyra.org.uk.
If you’re a funder or supporter who’d like to help us continue offering trauma-informed programmes like ORLA, you can donate here or explore other ways to support us.
