I was supported by Aviva and was so very appreciative. The police referred me to Aviva and Aviva helped me apply for a protection order after my lawyer had wrongly told me an order would prevent my children from seeing their father. This was the light at the end of my tunnel. It was granted without notice and remains many years later. It was a much-needed safety net.
It gave me the courage to continually report breaches, persevering even when initially the police would look at me as if “why was I bothering them with this?”, then when they looked into his file they got it and were supportive .
My years of dealing with this meant I have been able to support and encourage others in similar circumstances. While volunteering at a different organisation, I was able to support a male with an abusive female partner. I am eternally grateful for Aviva and would like to give back. I’m proud of where I’ve been and where I’ve come and the amazing young adults my children have become!