Unmasking what they went through and how they survived

2020 has seen us all wear masks to not only protect ourselves, from the unknown elements of Covid-19, but also each other. However in everyday life, we all wear masks. It’s part of the reality of living that we have different “masks” or personas we project to each other and the public. These masks can hide who we truly are and sometimes people can use a mask to hide what they truly feel and are going through.

Today, 25 November 2020, is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence. To mark this we will be introducing you to 5 remarkable women who have fought against many challenges to become free from abuse. Their journeys will be told in three stages, titled: Before, Then and Now. Each stage of their journeys will be accompanied with a mask, showcasing how they felt in those periods of their life. 

You will be able to view their journeys on this page on a daily basis, when each part of their journey is uploaded. All names have been changed to protect the identities of the survivors.

Some of the content on this page can be triggering for those who have gone through or are still going through a domestic abuse situation. Please remember you are not alone! If you are in an emergency, please call 999. Alternatively call our Domestic Abuse Services on 0800 111 4223 today, to get confidential advice and support.

Chloe’s Journey

Wednesday, 25 November 2020 – Activism Day 1

Click HERE to read how before Chloe met her son’s father, she was able to be just herself and was free to do whatever she wanted.

Thursday, 26 November 2020 – Activism Day 2

Click HERE to read how scared Chloe’s husband made her feel and how she feared of being told how useless she was.

Friday, 27 November 2020 – Activism Day 3

Click HERE to read how Chloe is looking forward to getting a new home, gaining employment and getting her life back on track without her abusive husband.

Sarah’s Journey

Saturday, 28 November 2020 – Activism Day 4

Click HERE to read how Sarah used to remain positive no matter what was thrown her way.

Sunday, 29 November 2020 – Activism Day 5

Click HERE to read how when announcing her first child with Daniel, his reaction was not what she had hoped for.

Monday, 30 November 2020 – Activism Day 6

Click HERE to read how after suffering 15 years of abuse, Sarah’s journey still continues and the future looks brighter than ever.

Samantha’s Journey

The video above introduces you to ‘Samantha’ in which she details what life was like before she found herself within an abusive relationship.

Click the video above to watch Samantha describe how she used to be independent, financial stable and knew her own mind before the abuse took place.

Wednesday, 2 December 2020 – Activism Day 8

Click the video above to watch how within her relationship Samantha thought pushing and shoving from her abuser was the norm and how finally he was arrested on threats to kill her.

Thursday, 3 December 2020 – Activism Day 9

Click the video above to watch how Samantha now feels settled, with her friends and family back in her life and continuing with her job which turned out to be her saving grace.

* Names have been changed and faces blurred to protect the identities of the survivor. *

Nila’s Journey

Friday, 4 December 2020 – Activism Day 10

Click HERE to read how Nila used to work in a hospital in India and earnt her own money, which allowed her to be happy and independent.

Saturday, 5 December 2020 – Activism Day 11

Click HERE to read how shortly after Nila got married, equations with her new family deteriorated and how they thought she and her family were ‘too modern’.

Sunday, 6 December 2020 – Activism Day 12

Click HERE to read how Nila is concentrating on getting back on her feet, find her forever home and aims to become a Business Analyst.

Tina’s Journey

Monday, 7 December 2020 – Activism Day 13

The video above introduces you to ‘Tina’. Click the video to hear how before the abuse started she worked for 111 service, was confident, outgoing had many friends.

Tuesday, 8 December 2020 – Activism Day 14

Click the video above to watch how within her relationship Tina felt ‘rewired’ to ensure everything she did was to please her partner, constantly asking for reassurance that she did the right things.

Wednesday, 9 December 2020 – Activism Day 15

Click the video above to watch how Tina can now do things how she wants do them and at a pace she feels is right for her.

* Names have been changed and faces blurred to protect the identities of the survivor. *

Thursday, 10 December 2020 – Activism Day 16

On the final day  of the 16 days of activism, we are proud to announce that Trident Group, is seeking to further support its housing residents affected by domestic abuse by signing up to gain an accreditation by the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA). To read more, please click HERE.