Harrogate domestic abuse charity helps hundreds rebuild their lives

New Beginnings wants to raise £5,000 to mark its anniversary and continue to support survivors of abuse (Picture posed by model)

A Harrogate-based charity said it had supported hundreds of women and children who have fled domestic abuse since it was launched.

New Beginnings was founded by Lindsay Oliver after she left an abusive relationship in 2018.

She said the charity offered women practical and emotional support and had helped 250 people in 2023.

Ms Oliver said she wanted to help women who had already left their abusers to rebuild their lives.

She said domestic abuse could happen to anyone.

"It can happen at any age, to any sex, of any background, race or economic status."

Speaking of her own experience, she said: "You don't see it coming and the abuse got worse and worse and there were incidents happening more and more frequently."

Lindsay Oliver founded New Beginnings after leaving an abusive partner

After leaving her abuser, Ms Oliver was invited by a council officer to start a peer support group for women in similar positions.

New Beginnings grew from that and now offers one-to-one and group peer support and practical help, such as accessing education and training or finding a home.

A support worker, who did not wish to give her name, said she first experienced an abusive relationship when she was a teenager.

"People do still think of abuse as physical abuse," she said.

"If someone is using force against you, you know it's wrong, there's a line there.

"But emotional abuse can start with being really nice towards you and you get sucked in by the love-bombing behaviour."

She said working with the charity had helped her to "understand" herself more.

"It's been great for my journey and me growing as a person, but also I think meeting such wonderful ladies who've been through so much, that's empowering in itself."

Peer mentor Sophia hopes to empower women to get their lives back on track

Sophia, who did not wish to give her surname, is a peer mentor and abuse survivor.

"I can already see that a lot of ladies' lives are improving and it's all down to their strength," she said.

She said New Beginnings was the "most incredible group of women".

"It feels amazing to be part of something that you're really passionate about and you can feel like you're making a positive change."

Ms Oliver said the organisation is hoping to raise £5,000 to mark its anniversary to help it continue to offer help and support.

"It's been a really good journey," she added.

If you have been affected by the issues raised in this article, help and support is available from the BBC Action Line.