Abuse survivors urge others: 'Do not lose hope'

Linda Huskisson set up the charity Living Keys to support and empower women

Two survivors of domestic abuse have shared their stories - to give courage to others to seek help.

In 2021, Linda Huskisson, from Peterborough, set up Living Keys to support and empower women who have gone through abuse - and has seen a rise in demand.

The charity has helped more than 400 women, who Mrs Huskisson has described as "brave and amazing".

As part of the White Ribbon Campaign - a global movement to end male violence against women and girls - Ms Huskisson and Anna (not her real name) talked about their experiences, and said "do not lose hope".

If you are affected by the issues in this story the BBC Action Line features a list of organisations ready to provide support and advice.

Peterborough City Council is raising awareness of domestic abuse

Ms Huskisson, 64, was running a coffee morning for domestic abuse survivors before starting Living Keys, but realised women "needed so much more support".

The charity offers courses, workshops and a safe place to be able to socialise and feel heard with love and acceptance.

She said she had now been happily married for 34 years.

But as a young woman, she had got out of one "horrific" relationship, only to get into another abusive situation with someone she described as "brutal".

She added: "For me it is beautiful to see them [survivors] pull through.

"I get overwhelmed by their strengths and their love."

'I am stronger'

Anna, 30, volunteers with Living Keys and hopes "to give back" to the charity that she said saved her life after an abusive relationship.

"He took over my house and was running his drugs business from here," she said.

"It started with a slap and then he punched me, bit me, stomped on my face, strangled me a few times.

"I managed to kick him out of the house but he returned.

"Every time someone knocked on my door, I would go hide in the wardrobe.

"I tried to commit suicide. I felt I had no way out of it until I came to Living Keys.

"Now I have got control of my life back. I feel hopeful and have mental health access via [the] NHS as well.

"It has been a long, slow process, but I am stronger.

Anna urged women facing domestic abuse to "try and seek help."

The Rock Choir group paid tribute to domestic abuse survivors in Cathedral Square to mark White Ribbon Day

Earlier this year, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Partnership said that, according to official police figures, there were 32,000 victims of domestic abuse in Cambridgeshire in 2022-23, including 7,000 in Peterborough.

As part of 16 days of action, which began on 25 November, a choir service was held in Cathedral Square to honour survivors of domestic abuse, with song selections made by the women themselves.