Survivor's Stories - Making the Difference

Emma's Story

Emma has experienced multiple and complex traumas throughout her life, including childhood physical abuse and sexual exploitation. During her pregnancy, she was referred to our service by the police at a time when she was also facing abuse from her partner. Understandably, Emma found it difficult to engage initially; her previous experiences had led to a deep mistrust of services, and she often needed space and time to feel emotionally safe enough to build relationships with professionals.

Children’s Services became involved during this period, which heightened Emma’s anxiety due to past interactions with statutory agencies. Despite the challenges she was navigating, Emma remained in contact with her partner, who was not only physically abusive but also exerted coercive control. This pattern of abuse created a dynamic of dependency and significantly impacted Emma’s ability to identify risk, separate safely, and make independent choices. This affected both her emotional and physical wellbeing and the safety of her unborn baby. As a result, a child protection plan was put in place.

Throughout this time, the IDVA and outreach worker provided consistent, trauma-informed, and non-judgmental support and safety plans. Their approach centred on building trust, recognising Emma’s strengths, and supporting her autonomy. Gradually, Emma began to engage more fully with the support offered and made the empowered decision to attend the AIM programme, taking important steps towards healing and safety.

After the birth of her baby, Emma moved into a mother and baby placement, where she received continued, tailored support that prioritised safety, stability, and emotional wellbeing. With ongoing encouragement and practical assistance, she was eventually able to secure and move into her own tenancy. Emma is now living free from abuse and is safely and confidently parenting her daughter in a secure and nurturing home.

Emma continued to access support during her final months with the service, including from a dedicated volunteer. Demonstrating her resilience and commitment to helping others, Emma has since chosen to volunteer with our service, using her lived experience to support and empower others navigating similar challenges.

Aisha's Story

Aisha grew up in the UK. She enjoyed studying and went on from school to college and then university.  After she had graduated her family started to put pressure on her to get married to someone that Aisha had never met. Aisha tried to explain to her family that she was not happy with this and wanted a career.  Sadly the pressure increased. Aisha was taken out of the country for the purpose of marriage but managed to get help.

The Forced Marriage Unit helped Aisha to come back to the UK and placed her with us in our refuge Aisha has been supported, safe and happy that she managed to escape a forced marriage. Victims of forced marriages often face isolation as they are not able to contact any of their family members long term support is needed to make sure they are well not isolated.

Aisha is settled now in the community.  Whilst she was with us in refuge she volunteered for a few organisations and has now been offered a job with one of them.

Memories from Childhood

This poem was forwarded to us by someone who remembers domestic abuse being inflicted on his mum, and him, during his childhood.  Now, at 52 years old, the memories still linger.