At S.H.E. UK, we see every day how trauma can shape lives, but we also see the incredible strength that can emerge through the right support, understanding, and care.
This is the story of one woman’s journey from loss and despair to healing and hope.
A History of Pain and Struggle
When this client first came to us, she was facing the devastating reality that her unborn baby would be removed from her care at birth.
She had already lost custody of her four older children – some were in foster care, others were homed with family members. Years of toxic relationships, including one marked by serious violence, and ongoing challenges around her partners’ substance use had led social services to conclude that she couldn’t provide a safe home environment.
Despite these overwhelming circumstances, she reached out to S.H.E. UK and began attending weekly online therapy sessions.
Starting the Journey
Through therapy, she began to address the deep wounds of her past, including childhood abuse that had shaped her adult relationships and patterns of behaviour. Slowly, she started to understand herself, her trauma, and the reasons behind the decisions that had once held her back.
Her therapist worked closely with social services and other agencies to ensure a coordinated approach. Over time, the client showed a new level of engagement and commitment to change.
A Chance at a New Beginning
Initially, social services insisted her baby would be placed in foster care. But as they witnessed her progress, they made the remarkable decision to allow her to care for her baby under a ‘Child Protection Plan.’
As she continued to engage and demonstrate her ability to provide a safe and nurturing home, the plan was reduced; first to a ‘Child in Need’ plan, and then removed altogether.
For the first time in years, she was parenting her child independently.
Then something wonderful happened. Her eldest daughter reached out. What began as supervised contact gradually evolved to unsupervised visits, then overnight stays, and finally, full reunification. Her eldest daughter came home.
Still, the client’s heart longed to be reunited with her youngest daughter. Social services made it clear that this would be an uphill battle, but she didn’t give up.
A Message of Hope, Healing Is Possible
Recently, her S.H.E.UK therapist received a message and it is one that speaks to the power of perseverance, courage, and compassionate support:
“Not only did you save my life, you gave me the tools to make a nice new one.
I’ve been thriving over the last year with baby and eldest daughter while fighting the dreaded court system for my youngest daughter.
Yesterday, all my hard work and your guidance paid off. I am now a proud, happy, stable single mother to three beautiful children who all live in my beautiful home with me.
The work you do is amazing and so important – you truly saved my life and gave me hope.”
Stories like this remind us why SHE UK exists; to empower survivors of childhood sexual abuse and trauma to rebuild their lives, find their voice, and create safe, nurturing futures for themselves and their families.
Every story is unique. Every step forward is a victory.
💜 With the right support, change is possible..
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💙 To learn more about supporting S.H.E. UK, please visit: https://she-uk.org.uk/support-us/
