When ‘Sarah’ first rang Woman’s Trust, she apologised three times in the opening minute. She was sorry for taking up our time. She was sorry she couldn’t explain properly. She was sorry for “making a fuss”, even though she had been living with years of control and fear.
That reflex to apologise is something we hear often. It is one of the quieter legacies of domestic abuse, and it is why mental health support matters so much.
To mark World Mental Health Day, Nirma Bheeroo, Counselling Manager at Woman’s Trust, has written a guest blog for the Domestic Abuse Commissioner (DAC), exploring the lasting impact of domestic abuse on women’s mental health and why specialist support is essential to recovery.
The effects of domestic abuse can last long after a woman has left an abusive relationship. Coercive control, fear and isolation can undermine confidence, identity and self-worth, meaning that being safe does not always feel the way a woman might expect.
At Woman’s Trust, we provide free, specialist counselling for women affected by domestic abuse, offering a safe, non-judgemental space to process their experiences and rebuild their lives at their own pace. Recovery is different for every woman, but it can begin with small steps towards regaining confidence, making choices and feeling like herself again.
Nirma’s blog highlights why mental health support must be recognised as a core part of the response to domestic abuse, with accessible, specialist services available long after the immediate crisis has passed.
You can make a difference this World Mental Health Day.
Through our Big Give Women & Girls Match Fund, donations to Woman’s Trust are doubled at no extra cost until 13 October.
