Sushma came to our drop in last summer, having recently moved into the area. With the help of another local organisation, Sushma had left an abusive relationship after enduring physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her partner, and was desperately in need of clothes, food and toiletries. When we first met Sushma, she told us that her children had been removed and that she wasn’t eating or looking after herself properly. We listened to Sushma’s story and offered some suggestions based on how she wanted to move forward. Sushma returned to our drop-in many times for emotional support and advice around finances and access to benefits.
Making the decision to leave the abusive relationship meant that Sushma could start a new life. She continues to keep in contact with Anawim, and has begun rebuilding relationships with her children and making regular visits to spend time together as a family.