To mark 30 years of Woman’s Trust, our new film, Finding Hope After Abuse, brings together the real experiences of four women who have lived through domestic abuse – and highlights the life-changing difference specialist mental health support can make.
“Woman’s Trust literally saved my life.”
These are the words of a Woman’s Trust client, one of four women who share their experiences in Woman’s Trust: Finding Hope After Abuse, premiered at our 30th anniversary event on 14 October 2026.
Watch Woman’s Trust: Finding Hope After Abuse and hear directly from the women who share their experiences in the film.
*Content Warning – includes discussion around rape and abuse that views may find upsetting.
Through their own words, the four women describe the devastating and lasting impact of domestic abuse, including coercive control, psychological abuse, sexual violence and the challenges of seeking help. Their stories reveal how abuse can leave women feeling trapped, isolated and questioning their own reality – and how its effects can continue long after a relationship has ended.
But their experiences also show what can happen when women are believed, understood and given the specialist support they need to begin healing.
The lasting impact of domestic abuse
Domestic abuse is not always visible. Coercive control and psychological abuse can erode a woman’s confidence, independence and sense of self over time, leaving her feeling isolated and afraid.
In the film, the women describe experiences ranging from prolonged psychological abuse and surveillance to financial control and ongoing legal battles. They speak about the toll these experiences have taken on their mental and physical health, their relationships and their ability to rebuild their lives.
For some survivors, leaving an abusive relationship is only the beginning of a long journey towards recovery. The process of seeking help can itself be difficult and, at times, retraumatising.
Their stories highlight why specialist mental health support is essential – not only to help women make sense of what has happened to them, but to support them as they begin to recover and regain control over their futures.
The power of being believed
The film highlights how meeting a Woman’s Trust counsellor marked a turning point.
One woman recalls the moment someone first told her, “I believe you.” After experiencing abuse that had left her questioning herself, being heard and understood brought a profound sense of relief. Through counselling and group workshops, she began to recognise the patterns in her experience, process what had happened and regain her strength.
They describe Woman’s Trust as a safe place where they are listened to without judgement. The support they received helped them understand experiences and reconnect with their voices, identity and sense of independence.
Each woman’s experience is different. Yet their stories share a powerful message: being believed, understood and supported can make a profound difference.
30 years of specialist support
The film was premiered at Woman’s Trust’s 30th anniversary event, bringing together supporters, experts and those committed to improving the response to domestic abuse and its impact on mental health.
For three decades, Woman’s Trust has provided free, trauma-informed counselling and group therapy for women and children affected by domestic abuse.
The women’s experiences in the film demonstrate why this specialist support matters. Recovery takes time, and survivors need safe spaces where they can process their experiences without judgement, rebuild their confidence and reconnect with themselves.
A special thank you to those who made this film possible:
Emily Compton, Kelly Bush & Rachael Welsby @ CAYA Productions
Directed by Mike Reilly
Superna & Jay @ Twickenham Studios
Russell Shaw @ Quite Brilliant
Graphics by Eduard Fadgyas
Director Of Photography: Dave Jones
Runner: Rosie Brotherton
Actresses:
Valerie Paul
Ellie Ward
Naomi Bowman
Fiona Campbell
And the incredible women who shared their stories
