“I stayed at a refuge” – A survivor’s story of living at an I Choose Freedom Refuge

Read the story of a survivor who tells their story first. We help people who need help in these situations, then start a new life:

When I rang the refuge after being given their number by the National Domestic Abuse Helpline (08082000247) I was so lucky to be offered a room.

I was afraid of the future and of where I was going. I was met by a caseworker and a volunteer and we made our way to the house. My heart was pounding!!

I was taken to my room, it was so overwhelming!! I had been given new bedding, cutlery, dinner service, pans and trays and so many toiletries as well as gift vouchers and a beautiful bunch of flowers in a vase. It wasn’t the material things that overwhelmed me but the love with which they were given.

This would be my home for the next four months.

The team of staff took all of my problems on board and helped me sort them all out, leaving me time to get the old me back.

The other families were of great support to each other. It soon became apparent that there is a definite pattern of behaviour with all perpetrators. You eventually realize that all the things that you were told were your fault weren’t!

If I had stayed with my perpetrator I believe that I would have taken an overdose again and not been here now. Instead I have a lovely flat, new friends and a desire to live my life in the way I want to.

It takes time to heal (I was with my husband for 18 years)and I am still working at things. But my confidence has improved tenfold thanks to the team at I Choose Freedom.

I’m 54, it’s never too late to start again. IT JUST TAKES THAT ONE PHONE CALL. Be strong.

From a survivor  

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