I’m Amelia, a survivor of domestic abuse. I still find it really hard to talk about what happened to me, but I’m sharing my experience with you, because I want to help Fortalice support more families like mine this Christmas.

I was 21 when I met Dom. At first he seemed like the perfect boyfriend. Always buying me presents and taking me out. I felt so lucky. We’d only been together six months when I found out I was pregnant. I’d always wanted to be a mum, so I couldn’t wait to start a family. At first, Dom seemed pleased but when baby Isaac was born things started to go wrong.

He became so jealous and controlling. I started to avoid talking to anyone and because I had a new baby I rarely went out anyway. Gradually I stopped seeing all my friends.

Isaac was around 3 months old when he first punched me, accusing me of having someone else’s baby. Things got darker after that. It became a regular thing.

I began to realise that my child was at risk of being hurt by staying with him.

The next morning I phoned Fortalice. Instantly I felt calmer. They talked me through everything I needed to do.

Isaac and I moved into the refuge that same day, a week before Christmas.

I never thought I would we would end up in a refuge. And at first I was scared, so overwhelmed, but the staff were just amazing. Finally, I felt safe, we felt safe, for the first time in years.

They organised festive activities, helped me with presents and decorations for the flat. At last I could have a Christmas with Isaac like I had as a child.

We stayed for seven months and the dedicated support and togetherness helped us to heal. Isaac settled into a new school, his nightmares stopped and his smile is shining again.

With a lot of time and patience from staff at Fortalice, I have learnt my self-worth, that I do matter and that I do have a voice.

I’ve made goals for my future that I never dreamed of thinking I could achieve. I’m now training to be a hairdresser. I’ve been given another chance and I’m going to grab it.