Sally* was referred to the refuge by police following a horrific assault left her requiring hospital treatment. Staff took the initial call and agreed to contact Sally who was staying in a hotel after being assessed as high risk. Staff had to liaise with the police and the local IDVA service to reach Sally as her abuser had taken her phone and any money she had to fund his drug habit. Staff spoke to Sally during the assessment process to introduce the service, so Sally felt somewhat reassured of her safety and the support she could expect. Sally said she would be happy to come to the refuge and plans were made for her safe arrival. Rail to Refuge was arranged and the hotel kindly printed off her tickets so she could get the train the following day whilst the police still had ger abuser in custody.
Staff picked up Sally from the train station as arranged. Introductions over, Sally got into the vehicle, with the clothes she stood up in and a few belongings in a suitcase. As soon as she got into the car, she was reassured by staff that she was safe now; she replied:
“I’m bruised but not broken.”
Sally was shown around the refuge, and to her room. Sally was happy with the refuge and even commented that she felt she had come to a retreat because of how lovely her room was and how it had been set up. Our Housekeepers take great pride in how they set up rooms, with a welcome pack that includes toiletries, new pyjamas, fresh bed linen and towels.
You can help
£10 could buy feminine hygiene products for a woman in our refuge for one month
Once settled, Sally was provided with vouchers and accompanied to the local supermarket so that she could buy her own groceries and any other items she needed. Over the following days, Sally and her allocated key worker worked together to look at her individual support needs, how to best manage risk, and create a support plan with achievable goals for her. A MARAC to MARAC transfer was done to Bradford.
Sally seemed to find renewed energy, engaged well with her key worker and the Mental Health Advocate within the refuge She was very proactive, registering herself with the local GP practice straightaway. Staff supported Sally to attended the hospital A&E and had tests and x-rays which confirmed she had several broken ribs, a broken nose, a broken tooth and damage to her eye from the recent assault.
Sally bravely took the decision to support the prosecution against her abuser. She was fully supported by both her key worker and the Mental Health Advocate who worked closely together to support Sally. Staff liaised with Witness Care to arrange for Special Measures to be put in place.
Sally’s abuser was remanded in custody for eight weeks following his arrest, and upon release, whilst still on conditional bail not to contact Sally or approach her, he went straight to Sally’s address. Unbeknownst to him that Sally had been moved to a refuge for her safety, he instead encountered a Housing Officer who was at the property. Sally’s abuser was arrested for physically assaulting the Housing Officer at the property and was again remanded in custody.
On the day of court, Sally was understandably nervous and terrified at the prospect of going to court to give evidence. The Mental Health Advocate offered much needed support to Sally. On being told that Sally had indeed attended court to give evidence, her abuser changed his plea last minute to guilty. Sally’s bravery, and the support of staff, had meant that her abuser would be sentenced. Sally would get some closure and further validation. Sally was proud of herself and how far she had come in such a short time. She continued to live in the refuge, made new friends and took part in several activities, she especially enjoyed artwork and gardening. Sally created a beautiful piece of art showcasing a hot air balloon, for her this signifies freedom and infinite possibilities. [Insert picture of artwork, previously provided for newsletter]. Sally soon moved into our dispersed accommodation, where she was able to keep the same support staff and continue working on her specific goals. Before she left the refuge, Sally told staff “I was a broken mess before I came here, I am now healthy and have a future.” Sally feels safe, happy and at peace in the dispersed property and is looking forward to moving out into her own independent tenancy soon. Staff will continue to support
Sally with her move on and resettlement into the community.
*Name has been changed
You can make a difference
You can make a difference to women’s lives like Sally, by donating to Staying Put and enabling us to continue supporting people experiencing domestic abuse.