Leaving an abusive relationship is a courageous step, so well done on taking that step forward! You are a strong woman and we admire you. And if you haven’t done it yet, then that’s okay too. Because here at Juno we can help you escape domestic abuse and live a life without fear or abuse.
If you are now in the phase of rebuilding your life, it may feel challenging. Here are some steps which may help you move forward and reclaim your life.
Seek Professional Support
It’s great to have support from friends and family, but for something as personal and upsetting as domestic abuse, talking to professionals can be more useful.
Therapists, counsellors, and support groups can provide a safe space to process your experiences. Professional help can also assist with building coping strategies and improving your mental health. Here at Juno, we offer a range of services to help women rebuild their lives and protect themselves from any abuse in the future.
We run several courses including The Freedom Programme, which is a UK-based support group and educational programme. It’s designed to help survivors of domestic abuse understand the dynamics of abuse, recognise controlling behaviours, and rebuild their confidence and independence. There is a waiting list, so please do contact us asap to put your name down for a place.
You can find out more about The Freedom Programme here:
https://www.freedomprogramme.co.uk
They also have a book that you can purchase here:
To see all of the courses we provide go to: https://junowomensaid.org.uk/our-programmes/
Establish Independence
Rebuilding often involves practical steps like securing housing, finding employment, and managing finances. Juno and other local charities and organisations can offer resources and advice tailored to your situation. Please speak up and ask for what you need, because if we can help we will. And if we don’t offer what you need, we’ll help you find the people who do.
Set Boundaries
Learning to set and maintain boundaries is key to healing. It helps you regain control and establish healthy relationships moving forward. Some survivors who have left abusive relationships will unfortunately then have other abusive relationships. There can be a sense of disbelief that a similar situation is playing out.
Some survivors will say it’s because they are ‘cursed’ or ‘deserving’ of it, but this is not true. It is because any abusive relationship will undermine the woman’s boundaries, make her doubt herself, and not fully recognise controlling behaviour. Survivors often need to learn what boundaries and a healthy relationship looks like but once they do, their life can change enormously.
Courses that we run, like the Freedom Project and Own my Life can help with this, but so can reading books and other media.
This book by Nedra Glover Tawwab could be a good start:
Focus on Self-Care
Prioritise activities that nourish your body and mind. Exercise, hobbies, and spending time with supportive friends and family can help you rediscover peace or experience moments of happiness. Think about the things you liked to do in the past or when you were young. If you like singing, there are plenty of choirs to join, if you like art, how about a short course? Many of these are low cost or free.
If you are in the Nottinghamshire area, the libraries run classes throughout the county and also online. These include hobby classes such as creative writing or different types of arts and crafts. It also includes classes that could help you find employment such as learning Excel or bookkeeping.
For more details, have a look at: https://www.inspireculture.org.uk/
Celebrate Your Strength
Every step you take is a testament to your resilience. Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small, and remind yourself of your worth.
Healing and rebuilding takes time, and of course, there will be ups and downs. You may have doubts, you may question your decisions, but always remember that you deserve to live a life without any type of abuse. And if you have children or pets, they do too.
Final Thoughts
Be kind to yourself and reach out for support when needed. Our helpline team are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Whether you’re at the first stage of thinking about leaving, or you have left and it feels daunting to start anew – we can listen, support and even guide you forward. You’re not alone on this journey. We will always be there for you.
Juno Help
Calls to our helpline are free from landlines and mobile phones within the UK and do not appear on itemised bills.
Our friendly team of women know the challenges of rebuilding a life after domestic abuse. They can help support you in so many ways. Nothing you can say will shock or upset them. Let them help you. That’s what they’re trained for, and that’s what they want to do.
Helpline: 0808 800 0340
Sometimes our helpline is busy and you might not get through the first time, so please try again. We will always call you back if you leave a message stating it is safe to do so and if you leave us a safe contact number in your message.
If you are hearing impaired, text “Relay/NGT” to 18001 0808 800 0340. This option is available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
You can also email us on [email protected] 9 am – 9 pm.
Please note, we may not be able to respond to emails straight away, but will try to reply within 24 hours.
National Help
If you’re further afield, you could contact other charities like Women’s Aid, who have instant messaging and email contact on their website: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247) also provide confidential support. They can help you make a safety plan, find safe housing, and access legal protections.
The deaf health charity Signhealth also runs a domestic abuse support service, DeafHope, using British Sign Language (BSL).