I was feeling lost, not sure who to turn to, where to go or who to talk to about what I had gone through. Then I saw Teach Tearmainn was a service which helps women who have been subjected to domestic abuse. I finally got the courage to ring the Helpline and from that day forward I haven't looked back. Taking the initial steps to reach out for help is difficult and I didn't know if anyone could understand what I was going through because I couldn't get my head around it myself. After the first phone call I made to Teach Tearmainn I felt like I wasn't on my own, I didn't feel like I was lonely or lost.

The day I began Outreach support was a big step for me to take as I didn't know what to expect. I was greeted by a friendly member of staff and I instantly felt comfortable in her presence which put me at ease before I stepped inside the door. After that first support session I felt heard and understood it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. There were various different supports offered for me and my children. As well as engaging in Outreach support, I was supported in a women’s group called Own My Life, which offered me a space to meet other women who have been subjected to Domestic Abuse. I have also engaged in Teach Tearmainn’s Court Accompaniment Service which helped me immensely. When feeling emotionally overwhelmed by everything I was given the support I needed. The legal process was difficult to understand and any questions I had about the process were answered. On court days I felt safe knowing that I had support from a kind and knowledgeable member of staff. It really made a difference at such a difficult time to know I had that support.My children have been supported by Teach Tearmainn services and have been involved in TLC Kidz as well as being offered One to One Support through the Children’s Service. I found my children benefited greatly from these supports and provided my children with a space where they could talk about their own experiences. Through the TLC Kidz programme, they were able to meet other children of a similar age who had experienced Domestic Abuse within their home.Feeling scared and lost, I felt listened to and I felt hope. Ringing the helpline really has changed my life. I will always be grateful for all the support and understanding Teach Tearmainn gave me .