I'm so much happier now. I can't imagine where I would be without the support from Llamau.

I married Alan when I was 21. I thought he was the love of my life, but as the years went on, he became more and more abusive towards me. He became aggressive, controlling and violent.

I’d lost touch with my son and daughter and he’d even started locking me in the house when he went to work. I felt like a prisoner, but for so many years I was too scared to do anything about it. I finally worked up the courage to leave and managed to break out of the house while he was at work.

I ran to my friend’s house with nothing but the clothes I was wearing. We phoned the police and I was taken to Llamau’s refuge. The staff at the refuge were so kind and helped me to think clearly for the first time in years.

Laura, my support worker, even got in touch with my son and my daughter, and I even met my granddaughter for the first time. It was absolutely magical. 
I’m far, far away from Alan now. When I was ready, I moved out from the refuge into my own property.

Llamau helped me with the move and checked in with me every couple of weeks.
I’m so much happier now. I can’t imagine where I would be without the support from Llamau.

*Names and photos have been changed.