16 Days of Action Against Domestic Abuse

Today sees the start of the global campaign, 16DaysofActionAgainstDomesticAbuse. Warwickshire stands with all victim/survivors of domestic abuse and harmful practices. Support is available to anyone experiencing physical, sexual, coercivecontrol, tech and financial abuse. In an emergency call 999.

See the Best Warwickshire Facebook and Instagram Page's to keep up to date with the campaign! 

Please visit the Support Services page for services available in Warwickshire.

Voice of the victim/survivor

Noor*

Noor experienced years of controlling behaviour, her husband wouldn’t let her go out or see friends and he wouldn’t allow her to work. She was not allowed to have a bank account, and all of the household finances went through her husband’s account. After calling the Warwickshire domestic abuse helpline Noor said “It was the first time that someone listened and said that they believe me and that gave me the confidence to believe in myself and to believe that life can be changed”.

Refuge Charity provided Noor with advocacy support, which helped to her access legal aid for specialist legal advice about immigration and family law. As well as supporting her to attend court proceedings safely as well as emotional support through the process.

With Refuge’s support, Noor has increased her confidence and has aspirations to start work in a job that fits around the care of her young child. “It has been life changing, I wouldn't be where I am without Refuge’s Warwickshire domestic abuse service and everything has helped so much.”

Alice*

After leaving her abusive ex-partner of over 20 years, Alice fled to the safety of a refuge provided by the Warwickshire domestic abuse service. Alice’s ex was abusive and controlling throughout their relationship, he was verbally abusive, he became extremely jealous and in the last year before she left, started stalking her.

Refuge Charity staff helped Alice move into the refuge to live safely away from her ex-partner, and she was assigned a key worker to support her every step of the way. Alice expressed that she felt safe in the refuge and she was supported in making a homeless application and bidding on properties in an area of safety. Alice told her keyworker that she lost her self-esteem and her ability to act and even think for herself, having lived in such a controlling environment for most of her life.

Alice’s keyworker supported her with safety planning, access to local services and referred her to a specialist counselling service to help her regain her independence. Thanks to Refuge’s support, Alice said that she feels more readily equipped to re-settle into the community and rebuild her life as her own.

*names changed for anonymity