Cornwall woman overcomes drug addiction and domestic abuse thanks to charity support
She is now moving into her own home with help from the EVA project
A Cornwall woman who suffered with drug addiction and domestic abuse is moving into her own home thanks to charity support.
Jasmine (not her real name) was in active addiction when she came to Harbour Housing's escaping violence and abuse (EVA) project and was also struggling to break free from an abusive and dangerous relationship.
The EVA project is designed to support survivors of abuse who also have various complex needs which can make it difficult to access traditional support and housing.
Of the women who have accessed this specialist provision, 90% received support around their substance use.
Jasmine grew up in Cornwall and has spent time sofa surfing and rough sleeping in the county, struggling to manage her addiction and break free from her violent and abusive partner.
Accessing Harbour's safe accommodation provided her with that chance, and it was the charity's elastic tolerance approach that meant Jasmine could keep her accommodation while working to recover from her abuse and addiction.
"I wasn't judged for my addiction issues when I came here," Jasmine explained, "instead they took time to build positive relationships with me and supported me to engage with other services, at my own pace.
"At first I was all over the place, and I needed that at the start, had they not had that elastic tolerance on substances I would have just been homeless again.
"It took time to rebuild my confidence and withdraw from the negativity in my life, but I've done it."
Jasmine cut off all ties to her ex-partner and has now been abstinent from all substances for a year.
Thanks to a grant from Positive People she was able to attend a college course and has been regularly attending, even through lockdown.
Speaking of her plans for the future, Jasmine said: "I want to finish the course I'm doing at the moment and probably go on to the second year.
"The world's my oyster now."
Jasmine
Kate Moss, project manager of the EVA project, says that inclusivity and acceptance is really key to the service they provide.
"The EVA project is all about reducing discrimination and being more inclusive of women who have complex needs who are fleeing domestic abuse.
"Having delivered accommodation for people with complex needs for many years now, we understand that there's a complex interplay between substance misuse and domestic abuse.
"Domestic abuse, particularly historical abuse and sexual abuse, are very prevalent among substance misuse clients.
"Through our housing provision and the style of tailored support that we offer we're trying to reframe and reimagine the best outcomes for women who have been through such difficult times."
Kate Moss, project manager of the EVA project
Jasmine has now secured a tenancy for her own accommodation, nearby to family, and is now ready to live independently.
"The safety I feel at my accommodation has really helped me to grow and heal from my past.
"I'm really looking forwards to moving on and I'm really grateful I was able to come here when I really needed it.
"They assist you until you find you're just doing it yourself."
Jasmine
Free confidential support is available to all who need it through the national domestic abuse helpline: 0808 2000 247