Introduction

Mark Groves our CEO explains how the collaboration came to be.

“Diane Wilkie contacted me last year when she was writing a book requesting permission to mention NCDV. Having received many such requests over the years I agreed but with my tongue firmly in my cheek I told her ‘only if she sent me a copy of the book’.

Lo and behold some 6 months later a book arrived on my desk where I have to admit it stayed for a while… dealing with the stories of victims every day I did not look forward to having my bedtime read being more sad stories of unfortunate victims. Recently Diane contacted me and asked if I had read the book and if I had any feedback, so I thought it was about time I did.

It did not take me long to make my way through it, I was amazed at how easy the book was to read. Not only were the short stories she told easily absorbed but the resources on help agencies were comprehensive and extensive. Diane also gets into the psychology of victims, offering genuinely practical good advice.

Diane and I had a Zoom enabled coffee together, during this meeting we came up with a plan to help people read her book by publishing bite size pieces, easily read, and easily absorbed.

If you ever read a book about surviving domestic abuse you should read this. Diane tells her own story as well as others and part of her survival was writing her book. It is a genially good read, super informative and a must for anyone involved with helping victims and for victims to understand there is light at the end of the tunnel”

Why NCDV? Diane explains her motivations for choosing to share her valuable work with NCDV and those we aim to help.

“When it comes to the challenge of dealing with domestic violence, a woman has so many things to consider. More often than not, she has been completely traumatised by her experience which puts her at a substantial disadvantage. Typically, it will take years for her to fully recover and get back on her feet. When there is the added need to go down the legal route, it just adds to the pressure that she already feels and battles with. 

As author of the book, ‘Surviving Domestic Violence, (A simple guide to breaking free), the plight of victims and their journeys, is a subject that is especially important to me, and the reason I wrote the book. To find like-minded people who do not just mean well and promise the earth, but who are equipped and, in a position, to make a practical difference to victims at the point of their need, is truly a dream come true!

Feeling lost, out of their depth, and in completely unfamiliar territory, when it comes to legal matters, a client centred service is exactly the help and support desperately needed by a survivor. Their whole world has fallen apart, they cannot necessarily articulate clearly how complex their struggles are, and how intimidated they feel at the very thought of what might be involved. To receive such help when they need it the most, is frankly a godsend, and makes all the difference to their ability to entertain the much-needed hope, that life can and will get better.  

This is where National Centre for Domestic Violence comes into play and why I deeply value what they offer and bring to each client.

I have chosen to partner with and support NCDV primarily because I believe that they genuinely care about people. It is an honour and a privilege to have the opportunity to work with an organisation that has both vision and heart. These qualities are demonstrated by their willingness and heroic determination to empower vulnerable people, to benefit from having the weight of the law on their side.

They understand the legal process and help to ensure it is as smooth and painless as possible.

The fact they help everyone and anyone, means their service is accessible to those who need it, completely free of charge; finances and means do not have to be another insurmountable obstacle a victim has to climb over!

There are of course, other much needed and valued agencies out there helping victims in other ways;  however, the thing I love the most about NCDV is that it is made up of real people with a big mission, to help those who need help in tangible and timely way.

They do not ask for anything in return, but choose to help because they can, taking the weight off exhausted shoulders. 

Indeed, I am excited to be associated with an organisation of such calibre in an area I am so passionate about, they offer something so unique, they help transition victims into survivors.”