Survivor giving victims a VOICE

A WOMAN who survived years of domestic violence is helping others who have experienced similar problems by giving them a VOICE.
Nicola Holland (pictured above) launched her support group VOICE five years ago at the Longford neighbourhood centre but has now relocated to a new location at the King’s Community Centre in Great Sankey.
She suffered five years of domestic violence from the father of her young son before escaping from Liverpool to Warrington eleven years ago.
The support group provides one to one support, sharing of experiences, training and learning opportunities, mentoring and advocacy and a social network with regular events, to name but a few.
Nicola walked out of her home with only a change of clothes for herself and her son who was almost three at the time.
“I left all of my belongings and did not return to the property. The situation had become too dangerous and after planning our escape we fled to a women’s refuge. I had tried to escape the night before but my ex partner chased me all around the neighbourhood, I was knocking on peoples doors and screaming for help but no one came to my aid.
“Eventually he cornered me and said if I didn’t come back he would jump all over my head. As soon as we got back to the house he kicked me in the ribcage, which caused severe bruising. I had pain when breathing for months after. He had also head butted me in the face several months previous and I believe my cheek bone may have been fractured as I had an egg sized lump on it and I could feel hard sharp bits in it and I also had a black eye. He also threatened me with a gun! The violence usually started if I didn’t want to do what he said or if I had a difference of opinion. I was basically a slave.
”I had never been to Warrington before I moved here but I knew I had to leave Liverpool for mine and my son’s safety. My ex partner also said he would slit my throat if I ever left him. I went to ground for many years and severed contact with Liverpool informing no one of my whereabouts except a few close family members.
“I didn’t know a single person when I first moved to Warrington and felt a great sense of isolation. I also experienced prejudice from certain people in authoritive positions who seem to think that woman are in some way to blame for suffering domestic violence. During my journey I experienced some positive and also negative experiences from service providers.”
Nicola says it was a very distressing and dangerous time for herself and her young son and believes organisations like VOICE are needed to help those in similar circumstances.
She decided she wanted to use her experiences to help others, doing voluntary work advice training at the citizens advice bureau to get a good basic understanding of the system. She then went on to achieve level 2 in community development work qualification through the open college network. She learnt how to set up a community organisation on the course and used her skills to set up VOICE. She is currently doing a degree in youth and community work studies.
”Funding is very difficult to sustain for grass roots organisations and I am not paid for my work,” added Nicola. “ Although Kings community centre offer a fair rate for community groups I am constantly filling in funding applications which are often rejected but I believe there is a need for independent grass roots organisations and I will be undeterred in my plight for social justice against domestic violence.
“VOICE operates a self help approach, survivors supporting one another, sharing experiences and information. The survivors are the real experts of domestic violence some woman say to me “I don’t want to be that person the domestic violence victim” they feel the stigma but we don’t have to, we can stand together and re-claim our power.
“ Domestic violence destroys peoples confidence and self esteem. I suffered panic attacks and depression over the years but I was determined to make a difference. I know a lot of people are still going through domestic violence. When I was in that situation I didn’t even know about refuges or how to get in one till someone told me. Obviously there are organisations like woman’s aid and refuge that can put you in touch with the right people if refuge is an option you are looking at.
”VOICE is also here for any body who wants support or wants to use their voice to make a difference and more voices make a bigger sound.
The ultimate goal is for VOICE to have its own centre – like a half way house.
Any one wanting to find out more about VOICE can contact Nicola on 07526395273 or email [email protected]