When Sarah first came to Glow’s Recovery Hub, she didn’t know exactly what she’d been through—she just knew something wasn’t right. She was hurt, confused, and had spent years being made to feel small. What she didn’t yet realise was that she had experienced domestic abuse.
“I was with my partner for six years, married for three,” Sarah shares. “He left just before Christmas, but then tried to regain control. I didn’t let him. He was always two steps ahead of me—controlling, manipulative. He even made me take a letter to my doctor, telling them I was crazy. I thought it was all me.”
It wasn’t.
It was only when Sarah spoke to a psychologist that someone gently named what was happening to her. It was abuse. She was referred to Glow, and found her way into the Recovery Hub—a safe, supportive space where survivors of domestic abuse can begin to understand what they’ve been through and gently rebuild.
At first, Sarah was unsure. “I was so nervous and didn’t know what to expect,” she remembers. “But my support worker, Tash, was so kind. She took the time to listen and made me feel at ease. She’s one of the loveliest, most genuine people I’ve ever met.”
With time, trust, and support, Sarah began to realise what she had lived through. “In the sessions, they talked about typical behaviours of perpetrators—like they knew my ex-husband. It helped me understand that what happened wasn’t my fault. It was like a light had been switched on.”
The Recovery Hub team helped Sarah come to terms with what had happened at her own pace. “They were patient and supportive, never rushed me. It was such an eye-opening experience.”
As Sarah worked through the programme, something began to shift. “Thanks to Glow, I started to find myself again. I’d always believed I had to be a 1950s housewife—cook, clean, put everyone else first. But I realised I didn’t have to live like that anymore. I was free.”
Sarah had a dream of running her own baking business. She’d started it years before, but her partner had dismissed it. “He told me I should be looking after the family, not baking for others. He made me feel like I wasn’t good enough.”
After completing the programme, Sarah found the courage to try again. “Glow gave me the confidence to start baking again—and this time, for me. I’m now my own boss. It works around my children, and it brings me joy.”
Not only has Sarah rebuilt her business, but she also bakes for charity and regularly returns to the Recovery Hub with cakes to say thank you. She even donates profits to Glow to help others still on their journey.
With a clearer understanding of what she’s experienced, Sarah is now ready to help others. She plans to begin volunteering with the Recovery Hub in 2025 and will be taking part in the Volunteer Course in April.
“I’m so passionate about helping others understand the signs of unhealthy relationships. If my story can help just one person reach out for support, it’s worth it.”
“If you’re in a relationship and something doesn’t feel right, please know—you’re not alone. Glow helped me see the truth and gently guided me through recovery. They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”
Glow’s Recovery Hub: here when you’re ready
At Glow, we know that healing takes time. We’re here to walk beside you—whether you’re just starting to question your relationship or you’re ready to take the next step.
If you feel something isn’t right, or if you’re ready to start reclaiming your life, please get in touch.
Glow is here to help you understand, overcome, and live free from domestic abuse. You deserve to feel safe. You deserve to be you.
Find out more here: www.findtheglow.org.uk/i-need-support/its-time-for-recovery
