Surviving domestic violence

Surviving domestic violence

Rachel's story

“I give thanks for the help I received at the refuge. It gave me time to realise that I can control my life.”

Rachel is just one of more than 600 women that Hestia helps each year, through our domestic violence refuge, floating support, and outreach services. She was so scared after years of domestic abuse, that when her former partner went away for a few days, she fled. She put her four children and a few clothes in the car, and despite being heavily pregnant, she drove non-stop all the way from Wales to one of Hestia’s London refuges.

When the relief at finally finding safety had worn off, she had to deal with realities of building a new life for herself and her family. That’s where the help of her support worker, Debbie, was so valuable. Debbie helped Rachel to get the health care she needed in the latter stages of pregnancy. She also helped her to apply for benefits, and to find a suitable house for the family, close to one of Rachel’s cousins in North London.

We also found school places for the older children, and provided play sessions for the younger ones, giving Rachel time to bond with her new baby and plan her new life.

Rachel says, “I give thanks for the help I received at the refuge. It gave me time to realise that I can control my life. I’m looking forward to making a better one.”