Alexia is a healthcare professional working for the NHS and a survivor of domestic abuse.
She came to Solace after experiencing domestic abuse for one year and a half, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, her partner abused her physically, emotionally and sexually. She slowly became isolated after her partner prevented her from communicating with her friends and left her too ashamed and fearful to tell her family what was happening. She has also had difficulty speaking out at her workplace as her partner was working in the same hospital as her.
She was referred to Solace 6 months after the end of the relationship with her abuser, when she was finally able to disclose her experience to a healthcare professional.
Solace has been able to help with many different facets of my journey.
They provided me with emotional support, through one-to-one counselling, as well as group therapy which has been hugely beneficial for me. Added to this, I have been able to take part in yoga sessions that specifically focused on re-appropriating your body.
Solace also allocated me a wonderful ISVA who has been amazing at supporting me during the police process. She liaised with the police and arranged interviews and meetings which made the process easier, as this was a very stressful period for me. She also made sure that the police officers were respectful and kind as I’ve had a bad experience when I previously reported my ex-partner’s acts.
The support I received from Solace has made me feel more confident, stronger, supported and less isolated. After receiving emotional support, I also understood that my past experience and trauma do not define me and that I am free to live my own life now.
Due to the abuse, I had to stop my studies and drop out of university. However, I have recently started to study a new degree in criminology, and I have successfully passed my first year. I have also progressively rebuilt my confidence and I have been able to progress in my career, being now a research practitioner, which is what I’ve wanted for many years.
I am now determined to fight for women and girls who are victims of abuse. I believe that, by sharing my story, people will be more aware of the challenges that victims of abuse can encounter and can support organisations such as Solace. And finally, I am hoping that, by seeing other women speaking out, victims can see that what is happening to them is not their fault and there is no shame in asking for help.