called Womens aid

[Beautifulday]

so this morning I called my local womens aid, it took a lot of courage as I had tried before and backed out. This time I did it but don’t know what to make of it, a woman answered when i asked if I could speak to someone her reply was “your suffering domestic violence are you?” Instantly this made me like a fraud like i shouldnt be calling. I said back well no not violence more emotional abuse and I just need advice. If she had said domestic abuse I would have felt valid but that violence word made me feel as though my problem is insignificant as its not “violent”..am I looking too much into things. Anyway i thought I’d be able to book a time for someone to call but she just said someone will call tommoroe between 10-4 this is no good for me as I can’t always speak on the phone and need to know an exact time the call will be 🙁 I feel a bit deflated

[Buddy]

Don’t feel a fraud , our situation is similar and emotional abuse can sometimes be worse than physical ..this is a shame , my local WA gave time to ring .. ring them back and see if you speak to a different lady on there .. explain you need a definite time , it’s rediculous giving such a big time span!
Don’t give up ring back xx

[Hazydayz]

Thinking of you and hoping you get someone to talk to today who will offer the support you need. It’s so difficult at times isn’t it. 💞

[Eggshells]

They tend to refer to all abuse as “violence” even when it’s psychological. I guess when you think about it, it is just a violence of a different kind. It’s just not physical.

I agree that it I should worth you calling them back. You can only speak to them when your abuser is out of the house so they must be used to agreeing more precise time slots.

[Beautifulday]

I think I’ll give them a call back in the morning and explain i would prefer a set time, telling me it will be between 10-4 juzt makes me anxious I get very bad anxiety and to be waiting for the phone to call not knowing when will just make me so anxious I won’t want to talk:( I know this sounds stupid I was never like this before

[Beautifulday]

hello
So today I had my call back from my local womens aid, I was so nervous and nearly didn’t answer:( but did and so glad.
I spoke to a lovely lady who was very understanding and listened to everything. At first I was hesitant but as it went on I found myself opening up more and more telling her things I’ve never told anyone else, it was like a weight off my shoulders as I’ve been holding in a lot of things out of fear of what people may think.
She was so lovely and confirmed that yes it is abuse, she has enrolled me onto the next freedom programme? Has anyone else done this? She also gave me solicitor advice if i needed to go down this route and explained that if I’m ever in danger or things escalate I’m to just call them and they will help me straight away. For all those ladies doubting or those especially like myself who feel a bit of a fraud because the abuse is more emotional rather than physical i highly recommend you call your local WA i dont know why i didn’t do it sooner xx

[Lisa]

Hi Beautifulday,

I am really pleased the call went well with your local Women’s Aid. Well done for reaching out! Thank you for sharing with us.

Best wishes,

Lisa

[Headspinning]

Sounds like a great move! Well done – that’s another step taken. Every step you take is helping you grow in confidence and take you closer to escape.
We all minimise the abuse. I did for years – then Claire’s law revealed to be at least 3 other partners had pressed charges successfully. I wish I’d taken my blinkers off sooner – whether it’s physical or emotional, it’s abuse and it hurts!! X

[Author]

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