Safe Haven has helped me and my family through a very hard and emotional time and for that I will always be grateful. Our lives are now worth living again and in the process I have made some very good friends.

I was a victim of domestic violence for 7 years, as were my children. We have always had pets they were and still are a part of our family.

The advice and support has helped me to see that the situation I was in is not the right was to be treated by anyone, with help I have been able to escape and start getting my health and life to how it should be and know the difference between a right and wrong relationship.

In the short time I have been coming to group, I have achieved so much and I feel that I have had a weight lifted’. ‘It has really made a difference to our lives.

It was an enormous relief to discover this service existed – as the pets are dearly loved and an extension of our family.

It has helped as I know if I ever need advice I can just ring up my worker and she will do her best for me and my daughter.

Group work has helped me and my son communicate - we can now talk instead of shouting at one another all the time. He is now a happy and settled young man, who feels more secure in himself and expresses confidence around others.

In my case, staying at home and suffering beatings on a daily basis became more acceptable to me than leaving with the children without their pets.

My IDVA helped me go through courts and the MARAC- she has helped me become a stronger person and move on with my life. I want to let everyone know there is help out there and life can get better.

It’s lovely to know that the children can have their pets back and it makes it easier for them to cope with not having a home.

I was very pleased with the service I received from the IDVA service, my worker was very friendly and professional” I feel less worried and much more confident with what is going to happen in my future.