Join us as Abi Thomas meets amazing women who have all been through the Own My Life course, 12 sessions which enable women who have been subjected to abuse to regain ownership of their lives.
Be aware that you will hear painful stories of many types of abuse during these episodes. But you will also hear a lot of joy - and we make no apology for that!
Today we meet Jade, a remarkable and positive woman whose partner was found guilty of repeated breaches of a non-molestation order. The legal consequences were minimal and Jade said, “it doesn't even feel like that was my justice, but it's over with”. As well as the physical abuse, Jade was subjected to manipulation and exhaustion.
She is a mother devoted to her fantastic children, the eldest of whom witnessed some of the abuse Jade was subjected to. Jade found support through the fabulous charity Feather’s Futures, where she accessed Own My Life. The course helped her to rebuild her confidence and recognise that her partner’s abuse was not her fault. Jade has now returned to co-facilitate the very course that helped her heal.
Jade tells us about the compassionate and loving support from both her Mum and Dad. We also hear about her methods of resisting the abuse - something we seek to celebrate at Own My Life.
Jade is honest about the ongoing effects of what was done to her; not just on herself, but also on her children. Despite the challenges, she retains a positive outlook, focusing on the joy in her daily life, the choices she can now freely make, and the future she is building for herself and her family.
More information about Own My Life:
Further reading and resources:
You may realise as you listen that you, or someone you know, needs help or support to get safe. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is on 0808 2000 247. If you have concerns that a man is behaving in an unsafe way to a partner you can contact the Respect Perpetrator Phoneline on 0800 802 4040. The Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline is 0808 500 2222. Rape Crisis Scotland is 08088 010302 and Rape Crisis Northern Ireland is 0800 0246 991.
