Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse with Sam Billingham
In today’s episode, Loraine is discussing the often taboo subject of domestic abuse with guest Samantha Billingham. Sam, a survivor of domestic abuse, shares her personal experiences and the work she has done to support others in similar situations. She talks about setting up support groups like SODA (Survivors of Domestic Abuse) and raising awareness about coercive control through the MTAB (More Than a Bruise) campaign. Sam also shares her upcoming training as an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to further support survivors and victims of domestic abuse. Together, Sam and Loraine delve into the challenges of reporting abuse, the impact on mental health, and the journey towards healing and forgiveness.
Follow Sam here
https://twitter.com/SODASam_
https://samanthabillingham.co.uk/
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Domestic abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, and coercive control.
Support groups like SODA (Survivors of Domestic Abuse) provide a safe space for survivors to come together without judgment and offer empathy, understanding, and support.
Coercive control is an important aspect of domestic abuse that is often overlooked. Raising awareness about it is crucial in identifying warning signs and providing support.
Reporting domestic abuse can be a difficult and intimidating process, and professionals may not always understand the challenges survivors face.
Personal growth and healing after domestic abuse can be a long and individual journey, and forgiveness is a complex and personal decision. It may take time and maturity to reach a point of forgiveness, if at all.
BEST MOMENTS
“I wanted to highlight and shine a spotlight on coercive control.”
“It’s not that we can’t, it’s not that we don’t want to. It’s just not safe.”
“I think sometimes in the relationship, there’s hidden forms of abuse.”
“I think to a certain degree, yes, I have [forgiven]. But if you’d asked me five, six years ago, it would have been a complete no, no.”
“I do still share the MTAB quotes on my social media platforms as well, because it’s a good way to raise awareness.”
HOST BIO
Loraine is a blogger, digital creator, and author.
A former Property Management business owner spent a decade in HMO and family rentals before moving to Spain in 2016 with dreams of becoming fully retired and living in Spain with her partner, but that dream shattered in September 2020.
Loraine explains how she has now experienced the three D’s in relationship endings. Divorce, death of a partner and now discard, the abrupt termination of a relationship.
Currently working on rebuilding her life whilst living with three overlapping litigations post-separation including the threat of precarious eviction by a former partner.
