On 11th October 2020, I spoke with a Refuge advisor. The support they gave me in coming to accept that I was in an abusive and coercive-control relationship, and how to safely leave my relationship, was pivotal in the lives of my children and I.

The abuse I experienced over the years had left me confused, psychologically disorientated & broken, with no sense of self and I couldn't trust myself to know if the physically debilitating fear and anxiety about him returning to the home was because of his behaviour, or because I was the problem and being entirely unreasonable about his behaviour.

I couldn't see how to end the relationship without serious risk to my self and my 6 and 4 year old daughter & son. I'd tried, time and time again. Things just got worse, and my self-blame and numbness to life intensified.

But I left following that conversation with the Refuge volunteer. The joy, safety & freedom I and my kids have in my life wouldn't be there without the support of Refuge.

And I'm not alone in that. On any given day, Refuge supports thousands women and their children.

Without this support, it would be impossible for victims and survivors & their children to leave safely. Experiencing domestic abuse results in serious psychological and physical consequences - and death - for women and their children. Only in escaping the relationship and finding safety can you begin to heal.

This is why I am walking 62 miles in March for Refuge. I ask you to contribute generously, to save and change a life.

There are too many women & children who continue to experience domestic abuse and who continue to be shattered by it's impacts.

Just £15 could provide essentials for a woman arriving at a refuge.

Many arrive with little more than the clothes they are wearing. Your donation could provide essentials like toiletries and food to help a woman through her first night.

And that's just the beginning. The year after a women leaves is the most dangerous. Post-separation abuse is frightening and devasting.

Refuge helps women and children find that crucial safety needed to heal.

Every £1 makes a difference. Thank you!