January 18, 2016

A day in the life of a Domestic Abuse Consultant!

Today, it took me two and a half hours to get into London to work. It was freezing. I wondered, as I have done so many times in the past, why I do this?!. I spend a minimum of 4 hours daily, travelling. The work of a domestic abuse specialist is not always easy. Most of the time you wonder if you really are making any difference – in fighting the constant stigma, myths and stereotypes of Violence against Women and Girls. I was thinking just this, this morning. And then this happened………………..

One of my clients gave me these beautiful flowers and card. And I remembered why I do all the travelling. Why I do the job. Don’t misunderstand me, I don’t feel I have done anything really to deserve this thank you gift. She has done it all. She has turned her life around for herself and her children. I have just been there to encourage her, to remind her she is strong and to hug her when she has felt it is all too much to deal with. But to know that she has appreciated that, makes me proud to be a Domestic Abuse Consultant. And I remember, that I do make a difference, no matter how small. We all do.

I first met Sharon back in 2000 when I went into a refuge she worked in after fleeing a violent relationship. I had two babies and virtually just a bag of clothes and a few toys with us. She helped me with appointments with the police, solicitors and..

A survivor of domestic abuse.

I was fortunate enough to meet and work with Sharon when she was the Advocacy Manager at Woman’s Trust and I was working for Westminster City Council. During this time Sharon developed and managed the Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy Service..

Ainslie O’Connor – Principal Advisor for the Department of the Premier and Cabinet – Adelaide, Australia.

Thank you so much for all the support you have given me. You really have been amazing, and to be honest, I wouldn’t have been able to cope with Child Protection without you. The amount of strength you have given me is totally priceless, even with..

A survivor of domestic abuse.

I knew Sharon as a work colleague over ten years ago. At the time, she was supporting vulnerable people, some of them were homeless due to domestic abuse and substance misuse. For me, assisting such people was what anyone in her role would be expect..

Ted Chanza, Head of Market Operations, Airtel Malawi Ltd, Lilongwe, Malawi, Africa.

I have known Sharon for 6 years and have had the pleasure of working alongside her when I chaired the Westminster MARAC. Sharon is a committed, empathetic supporter of women who are or have experienced domestic abuse. She regularly goes the extra m..

Former Chair of The Westminster MARAC.

I was fortunate to have had Sharon as my support worker after 17 years of domestic violence and 4 children that had witnessed and gone through it with me. I was finally strong enough to stand up and protect myself and my children. Without Sharon’s ..

A survivor of domestic violence.

Without the support and constant reassurance of Sharon, I know for a fact that I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am forever grateful to her. She is extremely dedicated and knowledgeable, having her on my side when dealing with someone as persistent..

Anonymous survivor of Domestic Abuse.

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