Sometimes, you find that strength for your children. Sometimes, you find it for your own wellbeing, dignity and safety.
And sometimes, it takes time to realise that you deserve a life free from fear, control and abuse.
You take one step at a time.
You reach out for help.
You explore your options.
And when it is safe to do so, you begin to build a different future.
Leaving is not easy. You may feel afraid, financially dependent, emotionally attached or uncertain about how you will manage on your own. You may still love the person who is hurting you. You may worry about your children, your home, your finances or what comes next.
But you do not have to have everything figured out before you ask for help. And it is never too late to start again.
At the East European Resource Centre (EERC), our Domestic Violence team supports women every week who are trying to make sense of their situations, understand their rights and explore their options.
One of the questions we hear most often is:
“How will I manage financially without him?”
Together, we look at the bigger picture. We explore what financial dependence may be costing a woman emotionally, physically and mentally.
Sometimes, what appears to be financial security comes at an enormous personal cost — through coercive control, sexual pressure, anxiety, exhaustion or the gradual loss of confidence and independence.
An Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) will never tell a survivor what she must do. We listen without judgement, explain the options available and support each woman to make informed decisions at her own pace.
We understand how difficult it can be to leave not only a person, but also a home, a familiar life and the future you once imagined.
You do not have to face the next steps alone.
We can help you explore options around:
🏠 Housing and finding a safe place to live
💷 Benefits, finances and practical support
💜 Counselling and therapeutic programmes
🤝 Peer support and connecting with other women
🌱 Rebuilding confidence, independence and hope
Your journey does not have to happen overnight. Every step towards understanding your options is a step towards greater choice and control over your life.
Your safety matters. Your wellbeing matters. You matter.
You deserve to live without abuse, fear or coercion.
You are not alone.
EERC is here to listen, support you and help you explore your options - without judgement.
Need support?
EERC is here to listen and provide support and guidance.
Email: advocacy@eerc.org.uk
Our helplines are available Monday to Wednesday, 10 am to 4 pm:
PL/LT/EN: 07521857415
RO/EN: 07730021986
UA/RU/EN: 07718612218
We are NOT an emergency service. If you are in danger, please call 999, or for out-of-hours support, call the 24/7 National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247.
This is in line with the information available as of 09/10/2026.