Domestic abuse survivors are three times more likely to struggle with their mental health. Here, Pat* our Mental Health Recovery Worker explains why, and how she helps them to heal.

I am a mental health recovery worker for Fortalice. My base is in the Bolton refuge, which is home to 22 of our most vulnerable families. My role is to help them to recover from the trauma of domestic abuse.

Experience tells me that many of our residents will have had difficult childhoods. There are layers of abuse that need to be peeled back far enough for them to heal. In a typical week I run a session on family history, helping a mum to recognise that the abuse she experienced as a child has impacted her own relationships and parenting. It’s a powerful message when this sinks in, and an important milestone to help her recognise what she can do differently to stop the cycle.

Over the last year most of our residents have felt overwhelmed and we’ve continued to provide face to face support at the refuge. Working from home in this role wouldn’t have been as effective, I can’t read the all-important body language and having continuity was vital for residents. Without their college courses or volunteering many of them have been getting caught up in their past and their mental health has suffered. A few residents tell me the lockdown and their restricted freedoms have felt like living with their perpetrator again. I’ve worked hard to make sure that they don’t take a step back on their journey to recovery.

I work closely with our specialist children and young people’s team. A mum has expressed worry about her child’s anger and is struggling to help him change. We work together to help her understand how his behaviour relates to their situation. This gives her some context and together we think of some strategies that will help. She goes away with some practical tips that will improve their relationship.

My focus is on enabling our residents to help themselves. In a session I might talk them through a mindfulness exercise to relieve some pressure and anxiety. Or encourage her to write positive affirmations and identify people in her life who she can talk to. We use art to convey feelings and the journey she is experiencing and some of the creations I have seen have moved me to tears.

We’re a strong staff team but inevitably what we hear, and witness is traumatic and impacts us. Thankfully, it’s a close knit environment and we recognise each other’s moods and pick each other up. I know I can speak with my manager whenever I need to. I also attend regular clinical supervision, where I get the chance to unload, and press reset.  I’m thankful lockdown is easing and hope it gives some of our residents the freedom they need and deserve.