Wiltshire abuse charity praises those fleeing harm over Christmas
FearFree is supporting those escaping during the festive season
A Wiltshire based charity is telling survivors of abuse that their first Christmas free from harm should be embraced.
FearFree has praised those leaving toxic relationships ahead of the festive season for their bravery.
The charity's Children and Families Team Manager, Natalie Hardy, said: "It's OK that this Christmas feels different to your previous Christmases, be kind to yourself, you've chosen safety and you're working towards peace away from your abuser."
The organisation works with families fleeing abusive situations to support their transition into safety, as well as providing help across the Christmas period.
Natalie told us it's a time of conflicting emotions for survivors: "You're absolutely allowed to feel sad. You've loved and lost someone and you're grieving the loss of that relationship and family unit, but remember that you're making the best choices for you and your children to keep you all safe."
She reminded survivors that they should be 'proud' of taking the brave step to move away from the harmful relationship they were in, saying: "Someone who makes you question if you're worthy of being loved, is not worthy of being loved by you."
Natalie insisted that survivors will complete their recovery, telling us that they've 'chosen freedom' and that they should take 'each day as it comes'.
She also gave some advice to people who still find themselves in difficult relationships.
Natalie told us about the 5,4,3,2,1 technique.
"The 5,4,3,2,1method is a mindful exercise that can help people manage anxiety or stress by focusing on their surroundings in the present moment," she said.
To complete the task:
- Name five things you can see around you.
- Focus on four things you can touch.
- Listen for three things you can hear.
- Pick up on two things you can smell
- Focus on one thing you can taste.
Anyone who finds themselves in immediate danger is told to call the police.
Natalie said: "If you are in an unsafe relationship or situation over Christmas, please remember the emergency services that can provide support.
"Dial 999 in an emergency, and if you're unable to talk, press 55 when you get through to an operator and give any information you can to the questions or prompts you're asked."