“Equality is not a privilege, it’s a right.” Last week, as part of our commitment to the Keep Working for Change programme for International Women’s Day, the Liberty team was lucky enough to pledge our time to a series of charities supporting diversity in some way.
It has seen our team support families living in poverty; give aid to people suffering from social exclusion as well as homelessness and in my case, it saw us help victims of domestic violence.
Arriving at the centre, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. I knew that domestic violence is a pervasive issue, but the firsthand stories, the powerful resilience of the survivors, and the strength of the people working to help them changed my perspective in ways I never imagined.
Hearing Their Stories
One of the most powerful aspects of my day was hearing the stories from survivors. It’s one thing to read about domestic violence in articles or news stories, but it’s entirely different to hear someone speak about their own experience.
Some survivors come to the charity after escaping from abusive relationships, while others are in the process of rebuilding their lives after years of trauma. Each story is unique, but they share a common theme: the need for safety, empowerment, and healing.
I remember one woman in particular, whom I’ll call Sarah, who came in seeking legal aid and emotional support. She had been in an abusive relationship for over a decade, and when she finally decided to leave, she felt both terrified and relieved.
Sarah’s story stuck with me because of her courage to break free despite the overwhelming fear of the unknown. Her determination to rebuild her life, with the help of the charity, was incredibly inspiring. As a volunteer, just offering a listening ear or helping her access the services she needed made me realise how critical it is to create spaces where survivors feel supported and believed.
The Power of Community
As I reflected on my day I felt a profound sense of community. It was a privilege to have witnessed the strength of the community that surrounds survivors of domestic violence. It was inspiring to see how people – staff, volunteers, donors, and advocates – came together to help create an environment where survivors could begin to heal and rebuild their lives.
While I started volunteering to offer a helping hand, I ended up receiving so much more in return. The compassion and resilience I witnessed has left a lasting impact on me, and has reinforced my belief in the power of community action. Helping victims of domestic violence is not just about offering immediate aid – it’s about showing individuals that they matter, they are believed, and there is hope for a brighter future.
Thank you to our brilliant team, to our partners such as Canela who have pioneered this effort and most importantly to those who let us be part of their world for the day. We have been inspired by their courage and strength.
