Domestic abuse support charity opens first shop

Sam said the charity helped her become her "old self" again

A charity which helps victims of domestic abuse has opened its first retail store in Trowbridge.

Fear Free Wiltshire took over the former Argos store on the Gateway shopping complex in Bythesea Road.

The shop includes a sanctuary, where people can seek help and advice, such as victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse, and stalking victims.

Sam, who was supported by the charity, said: "My life was extremely controlled. Now, I am safe, I'm happy, I'm back to my old self."

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Clare Marshall said having a shop in the centre of town was "special"

Sam said she was in an abusive and controlling relationship.

The charity helped her with housing and finding support for both her and her children.

She said things got better the moment she got in touch with the charity.

"As soon as I spoke to them, I felt so much better. That weight had been lifted of taking the first step, which is the hardest.

"The work they do is absolutely amazing. They're there for you."

Clare Marshall, CEO of Fear Free, said it was a "special charity".

"Domestic abuse has been kind of secretive," she added.

"Having something like a store on the side of the road right in the middle of Trowbridge, this is incredible.

"What we find is no-one looks at the mirror and thinks: 'I'm the victim of domestic abuse'.

"The more we build awareness, and family and colleagues are aware of the symptoms, we can all recognise them in each other."

Ms Marshall added that the sanctuary was a big part of the new setup.

"They can have that space, the only escape that a victim might have is to go out to the shops," she said.

"It's a really lovely opportunity in the heart of the community for people to seek help."