Peterborough domestic abuse survivor runs courses to support victims

A domestic abuse survivor from Peterborough has set up a charity to provide support to other victims.
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Linda founded Living Keys which is now running several courses to help survivors recognise the abuse they are suffering, as well as how to recover from it.

The 61-year-old who was formerly a support worker for vulnerable adults at Fairview Court in Oundle Road is aiming to “make a difference to others” alongside Kelly, who has previously taken part in one of the programmes.

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Linda said she had been in an abusive relationship for many years but is now happily married and determined to help people who have been abused by perpetrators.

She said: “I just have such a passion to make a difference to others. I just feel it’s what I have to do.”

The free courses - which are currently being run via Zoom - include the Freedom Programme which explains the tactics an abuser will use to stay in control of a relationship, as well as the Domestic Abuse Recovery Toolkit.

The full range of programmes can be found at: https://livingkeys.co.uk/courses.

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Linda said: “With the Freedom Programme it’s recognising it’s about control and it’s not their fault.

“With the recovery toolkit it’s more about being aware of the triggers. It helps us get rid of bad habits we pick up. When in a domestic abuse relationship we suppress things and walk on eggshells. When I left my relationship I was on eggshells and worried ‘what if he finds me?’

“Where they’ve picked up bad habits we look at those things and maybe replace them with good habits and help them through.

“The courses help give a sense of freedom.

“In 2019/20 there were 1,979 referrals to the Independent Domestic Violence Advisory Services for domestic abuse services in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and these are only the reported ones.

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“I know somebody I helped last year get to refuge in lockdown. She had nothing but a tiny little suitcase. For her three children she could only give them pyjamas and she had no money as her partner was in control of her finances and she was in desperation.”

Living Keys has received some funding for its courses but is seeking to raise more money.
Linda added: “Anybody who is retired and loves fundraising can get in touch with me.”

Linda can be contacted by emailing: [email protected].