“After being a victim of Domestic Violence in three different relationships for over 28 years, I was at a low point in my life, struggling with several different aspects of life and also suffering with PTSD – which I didn’t realise at the time. I was jumping at shadows, and I wasn’t able to go out on my own. If someone got too close to me, I froze. I would forget to eat, and my personal hygiene took a nosedive. I couldn’t bring myself to use public transport – something I still struggle with to this day – and I wasn’t even able to answer my door if someone called to my house.
I was talking to a friend of mine about how I was feeling and she referred me to Asma, founder of Soul Sisters: Empowering People.
Asma gave me one-to-one support until I was ready for the group sessions that she runs. I attended peer support groups and a self-help book club via Zoom because of COVID, then when things relaxed a little, I started attending some sessions in person – a creative session and a peer support group. In the sessions, we learned about many aspects of domestic violence and the effects it can have on a person, which has helped me manage my anxiety and PTSD better than I was doing. What’s great is that there is no pressure with these groups – if I wasn’t feeling up to it, I didn’t have to attend.
Asma also advocated for me when I felt my doctors and DWP weren’t taking me seriously, took me through the correct protocol to get my work search switched off and helped me apply for PIP so I could start my recovery journey properly.
I’m now in a better place, so I asked if I could volunteer for Soul Sisters, as I want to help others through the difficult times that they face when someone has gone through (or is still going through) domestic violence – I want to help empower people, both female and male. I was so happy when Asma accepted my offer to volunteer. Most of the work I do is online – I help with all sorts of projects that Soul Sisters has on the go.
I now feel I have a new family, one that supports me every step of the way.
If you, or someone you know is going through domestic violence, I urge you to reach out to Soul Sisters and get the help that many victims and survivors so desperately need.”
