Last year, during the worst time in my life, I came across Solace Women’s Aid and this had a great impact in changing my life for the better. I was at rock bottom. As a result of domestic violence, I was homeless and bankrupt, going through courts for the divorce and the custody (with frustratingly inadequate legal support), being harassed by my ex and battling with all sorts of unpleasant issues all related to this life collapse.

I am extremely grateful for Solace Women's Aid for giving me the chance of having 16 sessions of counselling.  I couldn't have dreamt of a better counsellor too.  She was very professional, compassionate, strong, kind and intelligent – a gem. She helped me considerably in reviewing the past and taking stock of the good and the bad to understand where I stood to rebuild my life.

Counselling gave me a reasonable and fresh sense of perspective to all that had happened to me and opened my eyes to the positive aspect of using anger as a springboard to regain your self-confidence and fight injustice. This was all new to me and she opened my eyes gently and with so much compassion.

I really benefited from counselling and it is one of the best things that could have ever come my way at such a difficult time. I feel very lucky and privileged that I could receive this very precious service from Solace Women's Aid. It is a vital and life-changing opportunity and I am very grateful for all the positive change it has made in my life.

* Susanna is not her real name

Photograph posed by model