At Glow, we believe everyone deserves to live free from fear, control, and abuse. We understand how much strength it takes to leave, and how much courage it takes to start again. That’s why our refuges and support services exist: to provide safety, stability, and the belief that a new beginning is possible.
This is the story of one woman we supported, a story of courage, recovery, and rediscovering self-worth. It shows that with the right support, freedom and healing can become a reality.
Finding safety after years of control
For years, she experienced emotional and physical abuse from a partner who controlled her every move. Determined to protect her children and find peace, she eventually left that relationship and began rebuilding her life.
Sometime later, she met someone new who made her feel valued and secure for the first time in years. But her hope for a fresh start was shattered when he tragically passed away. Grieving and vulnerable, she struggled to move forward — and in time, another relationship began that once again turned abusive.
This new partner’s behaviour grew increasingly controlling and violent. He isolated her from friends and family, made her feel worthless, and used both intimidation and manipulation to maintain control. Like many survivors, she began to believe the abuse was her fault.
Beginning a new chapter
When she arrived at one of Glow’s refuges several months ago, she finally began to feel safe.
There, she worked closely with one of our Domestic Abuse Practitioners, who supported her to rebuild confidence and recognise her own strength. She took part in group programmes designed to help survivors understand patterns of abuse and begin the process of recovery. Slowly, the guilt and shame that had weighed her down started to lift.
In time, she was able to move into her own home, ready to build a future that is safe, stable, and full of possibility.
Her support worker reflected: “Watching her rediscover her confidence has been incredible. She has worked so hard to rebuild her life and is now ready to move forward, free from abuse. Seeing that transformation is exactly why we do what we do at Glow.”
Why this matters
Her story shows what’s possible. Glow’s refuges are not just a roof over someone’s head — they are spaces where survivors can breathe, rebuild, and believe in themselves again.
At Glow, we know the impact of abuse runs deep, but we also know that recovery is possible. With the right support, women can move from surviving to thriving, creating lives filled with confidence, freedom, and hope.
Need safe accommodation?
If you are experiencing domestic abuse and need a safe place to stay, Glow provides emergency accommodation and support across Staffordshire. Our refuges offer safety, empowerment, and the chance to begin your journey toward recovery.
Find out more: www.findtheglow.org.uk/i-need-support/im-looking-for-safe-accommodation
