I’ve got my life back after all this time, I’ve got my freedom i can start looking for a job I have actually got my very own home and I can survive without him.
I’ve got my life back after all this time, I’ve got my freedom i can start looking for a job I have actually got my very own home and I can survive without him.
After spending 16 years in a relationship that was emotionally and physically abusive I somehow found the strength to leave.
He stripped me of everything, my family, friends, my choices, my decisions, my career, my finances and I became totally dependent on him. He controlled everything I did and I put up with everything that he did to me, including raping and beating me whenever he felt like it.
He told me I needed him to be able to live or wouldn’t be able to set up a home from scratch or survive without him and I believed him.
I’ve spent 11 months in refuge and my ex said that I could go back to the house and get my things that I left behind when I do have my own house.
This week I was given the keys to my house and i moved in with a bed, 2 lamps a tv stand and a sofa. I contacted the police to find out If anyone would be able to come to my old house with me to get my things because I just wouldn’t feel safe going back and facing him on my own. The police told me they couldn’t come with me but advised that I don’t go alone and that I should take someone with me. The problem was, I have literally no one and he made sure of that. The only reason I think he said I could go and get my things is because he knew I would be alone and either he would try and get me back or do one last nasty thing to hurt me.
My key worker gave me the number for rehouse to rehome and told me to call and see if they knew someone who could come with me.
I spoke to Francine and I want to share this message to say thank you for what she has made happen for me today.
I went and got my things today and yeyyyyy I did it! I faced my ex but not alone. Francine and another bodyguard came with me and I can honestly say I’ve not felt as safe or confident in my whole life. I could see how my ex was acting that he definitely didn’t see that happening.
Not only have they come with me but they have also given me everything I didn’t have in this house.
I can’t tell you how lovely and caring these people are and I will never be able to say thank you enough for what they have done to help me and for everything they have given me.
I’ve got my life back after all this time, I’ve got my freedom i can start looking for a job I have actually got my very own home and I can survive without him.
You guys really are the best. Thank you so so so much.
Sharon (Survivor)
Next story – Victoria’s story.