She helped me understand I didn’t need to feel scared and that I wasn’t on my own anymore.
Content warning: Domestic abuse, loss of children
I hit rock bottom when my children went to stay elsewhere. Without my children, I felt I had lost everything. I ended up in an abusive relationship and was arrested when I snapped and hit him back. He called the police and claimed it was him being abused.
This is when things change. While in police custody I was told about The Nelson Trust. I agreed to a referral and received phone calls, texts and letters from a keyworker offering support and reassurance she would be there for me when I was ready to meet. For months I was too scared to answer or respond, I didn’t think anyone could help me or understand my pain.
Soon after I met my keyworker, there was another incident with my abusive ex, and I was arrested again. But this time my keyworker was there for me, reassuring me I was not alone and making sure I was safe when I came home and that my family knew I was okay. I was never charged by the police; an officer told me they could see I was the one being abused.
My keyworker helped make my house safe from my ex, she came to meetings with my drug and alcohol worker, housing officer and social worker. Together we sorted out my finances, arranged doctors’ appointments, and she supported me with applications for further support. She helped me understand I didn’t need to feel scared and that I wasn’t on my own anymore.
Now I have my family back and we’re making happy memories. I am the confident, healthy mum I always wanted to be.
My keyworker always reminds me to feel empowered, and she says that it is me who has done all the hard work – she has just been there alongside me.
I have so much thanks to her and the amazing team who are so dedicated to making a change and difference in women’s lives. Without the support of The Nelson Trust, I wouldn’t be here today.
