March Reflections: Challenging Assumptions and Starting Conversations

This month we’re focusing on a myth we hear all the time: that leaving an abusive relationship is a simple choice.

It might sound straightforward, but it doesn’t reflect the reality for many women. Leaving isn’t just a decision. It can mean dealing with fear, financial control, isolation, housing issues, and worries about children. For some, it’s also the most dangerous time.

Women do leave. Often more than once. But what they need is support, safety, and understanding, not judgement.

Our monthly figures also show the range of support women and children are accessing. Emotional abuse and coercive control continue to come up again and again. It’s a reminder that domestic abuse is not just physical. It can be ongoing, not always obvious, and it can affect every part of someone’s life.

We’ve also had a lot of conversations this month about debt. Debt Awareness Week brought up how common money worries are right now, and how often people keep it to themselves because of shame and stigma. We know that money can be used as a way to control, limiting someone’s independence and choices. Talking about it openly matters.

In the community, we delivered awareness sessions in Strontian, speaking with young people about healthy relationships and red flags. These conversations help build confidence and give young people a better understanding of what isn’t okay.

We also continued our monthly slot on Nevis Radio’s Wellbeing Wednesday, on the last Wednesday of each month. We talk about common myths around domestic abuse and challenge some of the assumptions that still come up.

There’s still a long way to go in how domestic abuse is understood. But these conversations matter. The more we talk about it, the more we break down stigma and make it easier for people to reach out for support.