Holding On, Moving Forward

I am a survivor of domestic abuse and a mother to two daughters, one of whom is autistic. My journey has been incredibly difficult, but with the right support, Ihave found the strength to reclaim my voice, protect my children, and begin to rebuild our lives.

After I separated from my husband, he began harassing me in deeply painful and destructive ways. He contacted members of my family, spreading false accusations and trying to shame me by claiming I was involved with other men. Thankfully, my family didn’t believe these lies, but the emotional damage of his behaviour continued. He was also in complete denial about our daughter’s autism, refusing to acknowledge her needs and even trying to influence how the school viewed her and me. This only increased my stress and left me feeling more isolated.

When I reached out to KMEWO, I was overwhelmed, exhausted, and unsure where to turn. From the moment I made contact, they treated my situation with urgency, compassion, and professionalism. They listened without judgment and offered meaningful, practical support that made a real difference in my life.

KMEWO guided me through the process of applying for a Non-Molestation Order, giving me the legal protection I needed to stop the harassment and regain a sense of peace. They supported me in applying for child maintenance to ensure financial stability for my children and also advised me to apply for Disability Living Allowance for my autistic daughter, something I hadn’t realised I was eligible for.

I was invited to take part in awareness sessions, where I learned about my rights and the services available to me. These sessions gave me knowledge and confidence I didn’t know I had lost. KMEWO also arranged counselling for me in my native language, which allowed me to process my trauma in a space where I felt safe and understood. Additionally, they introduced me to wellbeing sessions that helped me focus on my physical and mental health.

One of the most important changes came when KMEWO contacted the school to explain what I had been going through and arranged a medical assessment for my daughter. After this intervention, the school took real action. My ex-husband was barred from visiting the school or having any contact with the girls. This provided a level of security and relief that I had not felt in a long time.

The legal support gave me back a sense of safety. The financial support gave me space to breathe. The emotional support helped me rediscover my strength. With each step, I felt more empowered to take control of my life and make decisions based on hope, not fear.

I want to express my deep gratitude for the help and support I received from KMEWO—especially for their guidance with the Non-Molestation Order. Before they got involved, dealing with the school felt impossible, but their intervention changed everything. I also feel incredibly thankful for the support I received to improve my financial situation. The awareness sessions, in particular, were powerful, they opened my eyes and reminded me that I deserve safety, respect, and a future.

Thanks to KMEWO’s ongoing care, I am not only safe, I am stronger. I have been empowered to protect my daughters, stand up for my rights, and begin the next chapter of our lives with dignity and hope. Their continued support is making a lasting difference, not only for me but for my children’s future.