Meet Tabatha
“Abuse is not permitted. Communicate. Be ready to open yourself up.”
Tabatha embodies transformation. She is composed, strong, fearless and gentle, but most of all she is empowered.
Tabatha will soon train to be an advisor, to guide and support other women fleeing domestic abuse. But not too long ago, life was extremely different for Tabatha. Living in a refuge with her three children she could not envisage the life she now leads, with a garden she’d always dreamt of. Two actually.
Tabatha was first referred into our service in 2019 after escaping domestic abuse. At the time she had been in a refuge for three months – and remained there with her family for a total of nine months. One of her children had challenging behavior, leading to regular calls to the police and ambulance services.
Tabatha tried to remain strong, but could not envisage her life changing any time soon.
Flash forward, it’s August 2021. We’re all gathered round Tabatha, listening to her re-tell her story and provide hope for the women, from our Love Summer 2021 cohort, seated before her. It’s almost impossible to believe this courageous woman lifting the hearts of everyone here was once broken.
Thirty minutes and many tears later, it’s evident that Tabatha’s experience has resonated with every mother here. The women are from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, some shy and quietly listening, some loudly professing their understanding and sharing their truth, others overwhelmed by the revelation that they are not alone – that many other women are also facing and surviving domestic abuse in Tower Hamlets.
Once referred to our service in 2019, we walked alongside Tabatha and helped her to battle injustice.
Speaking of our team, she said, “Denise and Anike had been my advocates, in case conference meetings. Yemi even offered to take my children to school.. often with 12 members meeting with me, I felt surrounded. Worried about what was going to happen to my child. Denise stood with me, campaigning for a chance to keep our family together.”
Gaining stability was tough. After the refuge, Tabatha and her children lived in a temporary room for 6 months and even spent a few days in a hotel room. Much of the accommodation on offer was “not appropriate for a family, but people felt like I was asking for too much.”
Tabatha has been paralyzed on the left side of her body since she was young. Even after undergoing fifteen operations as a teenager, she is still left with mobility issues.
Tabatha has been married twice and survived domestic abuse in both marriages. Unfortunately, the second marriage left her with more damage to her mobility, which meant finding a home was difficult after fleeing.
How you can help
Want to help the local community? There are lots of different ways to get involved.
Donate money
We know that not everyone has the time to volunteer with us or organize a food drive. You can help us support the people in need by donating money today.
Donate time
We have a very small team, so any time you can give will make a difference – from helping at our office, assisting at our foodbank, or sorting food at our warehouse. We couldn’t do it without you.
Donate products
We’re always desperate for donations of non-perishable foods, canned goods and toiletries. From a few cans to an office food collection, every donation goes a long way to make a difference.