Healing from DV - my story

Trigger warning - Domestic Violence Creativity & yoga were lifelines for me when I myself was leaving a domestic abuse relationship & it was how I became connected to the communities I now serve.

I found solace in the movement & the escapism of creative practices. Having studied photography at college and Art and design at university I was very familiar with the idea of art as a therapeutic practice & a profoundly powerful healing tool! I contacted charities for support, and through my own offerings & engagement began to become part of not only the communities that were visiting the charities for support like me, but those working to help guide, heal & provide relief to those very people. The rest is history! I've used my practice to help heal myself on this journey, & those on similar journeys back to empowerment, confidence & a new path for them The facts: Domestic abuse leaves deep scars, both visible and invisible, that can hinder the healing process long after the abuse has ended. Survivors often grapple with feelings of shame, fear, anxiety, and depression. In recent years, holistic approaches combining creativity and yoga have gained recognition for their effectiveness in supporting the emotional and psychological recovery of survivors. These practices provide a pathway to reclaiming one's sense of self and fostering resilience.

Creativity: A Gateway to Expression and Healing

Creative activities such as art, music, writing, and dance offer survivors a safe space to express emotions that may be difficult to articulate verbally. Engaging in creative pursuits helps in several ways:

1. Emotional Expression: Art provides a non-verbal outlet for expressing complex emotions. Painting, drawing, or sculpting can help survivors process their experiences and emotions in a tangible form. This process can be cathartic, offering relief from bottled-up feelings.
   

2. Empowerment: Creating something new can restore a sense of control and empowerment. Survivors often feel powerless due to the abuse they endured. By making art, they can experience mastery and autonomy, fostering a renewed sense of confidence.
   

3. Self-Discovery: Creativity encourages self-reflection and exploration. Writing, for example, can help survivors reconstruct their narratives, understand their journeys, and rediscover their identities separate from their trauma.
   

4. Community and Support: Participating in creative groups or workshops can build a supportive community. Sharing creative works can help survivors connect with others who have similar experiences, reducing feelings of isolation.
   

Yoga: Reconnecting Body and Mind

Yoga, an ancient practice that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, offers profound benefits for those healing from domestic abuse:

1. Physical Healing: Abuse often leaves physical injuries that yoga can help address. Gentle yoga practices can improve flexibility, strength, and overall physical health, aiding in the recovery of physical well-being.
   

2. Emotional Balance: Yoga promotes emotional regulation through mindfulness and breath control. Techniques like deep breathing and meditation can reduce anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms, helping survivors manage their emotional responses more effectively.
   

3. Mind-Body Connection: Abuse can lead to a disconnection from one's body, often as a protective mechanism. Yoga encourages a reconnection with the body in a safe and nurturing way. This reconnection is essential for rebuilding trust in oneself and fostering self-compassion.
   

4. Stress Reduction: The practice of yoga induces the relaxation response, lowering cortisol levels and reducing stress. Regular practice helps survivors develop resilience to stress and improves overall mental health.
   

5. Empowerment and Safety: Through mastering yoga postures and sequences, survivors can regain a sense of bodily autonomy and safety. The discipline of yoga also instills a sense of empowerment, as individuals learn to control their movements and breathing.

Combining creative therapies with yoga can create a holistic approach to healing. Programs that integrate both allow survivors to explore multiple pathways of expression and recovery. For instance, a program might begin with a yoga session to center and calm participants, followed by an art therapy workshop where they can channel their emotions into creative projects. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse in the North West of England, here are some organizations and resources that can provide help and support:

National Resources

1. National Domestic Abuse Helpline

• Phone: 0808 2000 247 (24/7)

• Website: www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

• Description: Provides confidential advice and support for women experiencing domestic abuse.

Regional Resources

1. Women's Aid - Manchester

• Phone: 0161 660 7999

• Website: www.manchesterwomensaid.org

• Description: Offers a range of services including refuge accommodation, advice, and advocacy.

1. Endeavour - Bolton

• Phone: 01204 394842

• Website: www.endeavourproject.org.uk

• Description: Provides support services for individuals and families affected by domestic abuse, including refuge and outreach support.

1. The Pankhurst Trust - Manchester

• Phone: 0161 820 8416

• Website: www.pankhursttrust.org

• Description: Offers a range of support services for women and children, including refuge accommodation and counseling.

1. Women's Aid - Liverpool

• Phone: 0151 263 7474

• Website: www.liverpoolwomensaid.org.uk

• Description: Provides refuge, support, and advocacy for women and children escaping domestic abuse.

1. SafeNet Domestic Abuse Service - Lancashire

• Phone: 0300 303 3581

• Website: www.safenet.org.uk

• Description: Offers refuge and support services across Lancashire for those affected by domestic abuse.

Local Authorities

1. Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline

• Phone: 0161 636 7525

• Website: www.gmdomesticabusehelpline.co.uk

• Description: Provides advice and support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse in the Greater Manchester area.

1. Cheshire Without Abuse

• Phone: 0300 123 5101

• Website: www.cheshirewithoutabuse.org.uk

• Description: Offers a range of services including safe accommodation, advocacy, and emotional support.

Additional Support

1. Victim Support - North West

• Phone: 0808 168 9111

• Website: www.victimsupport.org.uk

• Description: Provides free and confidential support to victims of crime, including domestic abuse.

1. Savera UK - Liverpool

• Phone: 0800 107 0726

• Website: www.saverauk.co.uk

• Description: Supports individuals from Black and Minority Ethnic communities at risk of domestic abuse and harmful practices.

These organizations offer a variety of services, from emergency accommodation to counseling and legal advice, ensuring that help is available for those in need. If you are in immediate danger, please call 999.