In October 2015, I left an abusive relationship with the assistance of the Pathway Project. 2 years later, I still continue to access their services to support both myself and my 3 young children with moral support in court, and counselling for the children. This service is invaluable for many, in order to gain the necessary support and guidance to leave an abusive relationship safely, and to help pick up the pieces afterwards.

As with most domestic abuse services, The Pathway Project faces financial difficulties. This service is a lifeline to many victims and survivors of domestic abuse within the Staffordshire area, with them running 2 refuges in Tamworth and Lichfield, and offering many other areas of support too. It is vital that they receive the necessary funds to keep operating.

I would love the opportunity to give something back to The Pathway Project, whilst also raising awareness of domestic abuse. So I have decided to give up my one vice - chocolate! I will not allow one tiny piece of yummy chocolate to pass my lips for the whole of the month of October. For anyone who knows me, they will know how truly difficult this will be (especially those at my Slimming World group, who witness my weight maintain as I blame my love of chocolate each week!). 

I would be so very grateful for any donation, big or small. But also, if you could please share this page, and encourage your friends and family to donate too. Please help me to reach my target and give me encouragement to abstain from chocolate for the whole month. I will certainly need it!

If you feel that you are a victim of domestic abuse, please seek help. Womens Aid and Refuge have a national number that you can call for assistance - 0808 2000 247. For anyone in the Tamworth, Lichfield or surrounding areas, you can contact Pathway Project on 01543 676800. Both of these numbers are open 24 hours a day. 

Women's Aid state that domestic abuse is defined as -

"an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening,
degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence, in the majority of cases by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer. It is very common. In the vast majority of cases, it is experienced by women and is perpetrated by men"

Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence)
• Psychological and/or emotional abuse
• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Financial abuse
• Harassment
• Stalking
• Online or digital abuse

https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/what-is-domestic-abuse/

Thank you for taking the time to read this page.   xxx

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.