On 23rd July 2024, the first National Policing Statement on Violence Against Women and Girls was published. The report highlights that at least 1 in 12 women will be victims of male violence each year, though the real number is likely higher. We are committed to ensuring this report – and the truths it reveals – are not forgotten. For every newsletter, we ask one of the women who has recently used West Mercia Women’s Aid’s services to share their story.
This month, we share Carrie’s story.
Carrie reached out to West Mercia Women’s Aid during a time when she was feeling overwhelmed, anxious and alone. For many months, she had been carrying the weight of her experiences, trying to stay strong for her young daughter while navigating the emotional impact of leaving an unhealthy and toxic relationship.
First and foremost I just wanted to say thank you so much for hearing me and actually hearing me!!! Your phone call today actually got me out of a quite lonely anxious place that I’ve been in and feeling in the past 6 months or so. What you got today was about 18 months of my mind set being in quite an anxious worrying state of mind, and today I was feeling extremely overwhelmed and to be honest quite sad. I focus on my little girl always first and foremost and her childhood is something I won’t compromise on hence why I made the decision to leave my husband and the toxicity that comes with it and his family. I know I’ve done the right thing but it still quite a hard pill to swallow and can be quite a lonely place to be in, but your call today has actually made me feel a little bit lighter. Apologies that you got all of that in one go on the call!! I’m really grateful that I know there’s support at hand as that’s something I’ve never had for my little one or myself and one of my biggest fears is that her childhood is being damaged and her memories being anything other than amazing so the support is something that I will be grateful to take up. Again thank you so much for all of your help and for listening to me as that’s something I feel no one has done for a very long time
For Carrie, knowing that support is available – for both herself and her daughter – has brought reassurance and hope for the future. Her story is a powerful reminder that no one should have to face these experiences alone, and that simply being listened to can be the first step towards healing.
At West Mercia Women’s Aid, we are here to listen, to support, and to walk alongside women and children as they rebuild their lives – at their own pace, in their own way.
If Carrie’s story resonates with you, please know that you are not alone and support is available.
See the full One in Twelve series here