Never Look Back

By Maggie

Hello, my name’s Maggie and this is my journey. I’m a service user at Tyneside Women’s Health. 

I came to Tyneside Women’s Health having been referred by my doctor. I suffered from domestic violence for 20 years and finally made the break, I am so grateful to Tyneside Women’s Health as I was a complete wreck back then. I have overcome a lot of difficult times. I attended the safer women’s group; it was helpful to be with other women who had been through similar situations as myself. We also had the opportunity to attend the referendum reference group at the civic centre and were able to give our views as victims of domestic violence. 

I now look back and think how far I have travelled from the days I was a nervous wreck and not being able to tell anybody what was happening. I felt ashamed and wondered whether I was to blame in any way, I now know I was not, I have regained my confidence and never looked back. I am a service user rep with linked women, which allows service users to have a voice in Tyneside Women’s Health; I don’t think I would’ve come so far if I had not found Tyneside Women’s Health. Its been my rock, I’ve made friends and its like being part of a happy family and I know other service users feel the same.

I am still continuing my journey but at last I have found peace of mind, you too can make the journey I have and remember: you are not alone. There is help out there.