Ava's Story
*The names have been changed to protect the identity of the survivor.
When everything started, I had nothing. No home, no money, no visa, nothing. Emotionally, I was in a very dark place. With support from Manchester Women’s Aid, I got help with everything. They put me in a refuge and that’s where I live now. It’s not just a house – it’s a safe space. I have privacy, I can cook what I like, do what I like, and I can sleep peacefully. That feeling, of safety, of freedom, is something I will never take for granted again.
I’ve been supported to rebuild my life and slowly get back to normal. Manchester Women’s Aid have stood beside me in every challenge – supporting me with criminal justice, my immigration, and my education. Every time I have a meeting, an interview, or a call, someone from Manchester Women’s Aid is there with me, holding my hand through it all. I’ve taken part in sessions that helped me regain my confidence and believe in myself again.
If I look back now at where I started — with nothing — and where I am today — safe, stable, and hopeful — I can only say that Manchester Women’s Aid gave me my life back. I am forever grateful to Manchester Women’s Aid for helping me find my voice, my strength, and my peace again.
