Assia* was referred to Alana House by her Brighter Futures Family Worker.
The Alana House Key Worker met with Assia who explained she had reported incidents of domestic abuse to the police. Her husband was subject to bail conditions, including not to contact or attend her home until February 2024.
Assia wanted support with contacting the police as her neurodiversity meant that she found communicating with them difficult.
She also shared wanting to go back to college and wanting to access recovery and wellbeing groups at Alana House as she felt very socially isolated.
With support from her Key Worker, Assia contacted the police officer in charge to understand more about her case.
This led to regular contact with the police officer, keeping Assia and her Key Worker up to date on the situation.
Assia attended Alana House groups, including the baking group and the Alana House Community Café, where she could socialise with other women. Assia also completed the Domestic Abuse Recovery Toolkit Programme and the Healing Trauma Programme.
Assia was supported to make the application for the English course at Reading College.
Assia received a letter from her husband’s solicitor requesting contact with their son.
Her Key Worker arranged a free consultation with a solicitor who provided Assia with legal advice on the situation. The solicitor and her Key Worker supported Assia in drafting a response letter.
A further session with the solicitor was arranged when another communication from her husband stated his intention to request joint custody of their child. The solicitor agreed to take Assia’s case on and together with her Key Worker, Assia was supported in writing her statement.
Assia was supported at court by her Key Worker and was represented by a barrister who was organised by the solicitor. Assia remains in ongoing court proceedings.
Whilst the legal process continues, Assia has attended social events at Alana House, which has reduced her sense of isolation and has begun processing the trauma related to the domestic abuse from her husband.
* Name changed for confidentiality
“I have not had any help with anything before Alana House. Nobody gave the time I needed. Sometimes I don’t understand things but you have helped me a lot.”
Assia
Help more women like Gemma
With your support, we can continue to provide vital services to adoptive families, women facing multiple disadvantages and children affected by domestic abuse
