Gemma’s story

Gemma* was referred to Alana House by a midwifery team from the Royal Berkshire Hospital. Gemma was eight months pregnant and had a 6-year-old son.

Gemma was presenting with symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and had disclosed to the midwife that she had reported to Thames Valley Police that she was experiencing domestic abuse.

They were currently investigating her ex-partner for control and coercion. Gemma had and still was being abused by her ex-partner. This included emotional and physical abuse.

The investigation was originally ‘no further actioned’ due to lack of evidence as stated by the Crown Prosecution Service.

With the help of Alana House this is now being reviewed. Gemma and her Key Worker have met with the police and they are now reinvestigating the allegations.

Alongside this, there were current family court proceedings for their son. Gemma advised that she was in debt because of the child arrangements order and was currently on maternity leave and unable to meet the demands of the debts.

Gemma was self-harming and was unable to leave her home without experiencing anxiety.

Alana House supported Gemma to work with children’s services as they had been contacted due to safeguarding concerns from Gemma’s son’s school.

The ex-partner would attempt to remove their son on his non-contact days. Alana House liaised with the school explaining that under the current child arrangement order, that was not allowed.

Alana House provided access to free legal advice for Gemma so that she was able to understand what her options were.

This helped Gemma to understand the legal aspects which ultimately gave her more confidence in challenging any breaches to the court order made by the ex-partner.

Gemma has been able to access 1-2-1 keywork sessions on a regular basis with her Key Worker. She has also completed several groups at Alana House, including Hope To Recovery and Domestic Abuse Recovery Toolkit. She will attend the Adverse Childhood Experiences group.

Gemma’s confidence has increased as she has been given access to a trauma-informed space and her voice has been heard.

Gemma’s self-harming has significantly reduced and she feels she has more control over her own life once again. She can make decisions without fear.

Gemma said: “Gemma’s self-harming has significantly reduced and she feels she has more control over her own life once again. She can make decisions without fear.

Gemma said: “The support from Alana has kept my head above water, it’s a holistic support network in which I’ve received both individual support that is relevant to my own personal situation but also been able to connect with other women who have experienced similar issues through the family court, which accentuates post-separation abuse.

The abuse I’ve suffered has taken me to the depths of no return and just when I thought I couldn’t go on, Alana stepped in and pulled me back out.

I’m not there yet and I’m not through my personal situation, but it’s comforting to know that Alana will stick with me until this hell is over.”

* Name changed for confidentiality