Domestic abuse survivor starts charity to support victims in East Yorkshire

A domestic abuse survivor from East Yorkshire has shared how her three-decade-long experience has inspired her to establish a charity aimed at supporting victims and providing them with a safe space as they rebuild their lives.

Jennifer Hebert, who has faced years of physical and psychological abuse, says that her journey toward healing has taught her the importance of compassion and creating supportive environments for survivors.

The charity, Lampstand Group, is now officially constituted and aims to address the emotional, psychological, and practical needs of those who have experienced abuse. The organisation is made up of board members who share one thing in common—lived experiences of domestic abuse, homelessness, or trauma.

Reflecting on her experiences and the conversations she has had when sharing her story, Jennifer notes that older generations were especially affected due to societal attitudes at the time.

Jennifer said: “They were very much taught, you’ve made your bed, you lie in it. Domestic abuse wasn’t even discussed. I know when I was in my 20s I didn’t know what domestic abuse was. People have told me, ‘You’ve just shared my life. Up until this moment, I’ve never told a soul because I’ve carried so much shame.’ This is why it’s so important we keep talking about it and raising awareness.”

She highlights how women from those generations often faced silence and stigma, which prevented some from reaching out for help.

Jennifer experienced both physical and psychological abuse during her life, spending time living in a women's refuge after being made homeless and lacking support in her workplace despite her struggles.

Jennifer said, “I lost everything when I finally found the courage to leave my first abusive relationship. I left my house and my job to start afresh. It took 10 years for me to truly heal and understand what I had been through, but now my children and I are stable, and I’m happily remarried.

“I wanted to give back and turn that pain into purpose, which is why I founded Lampstand Group. It’s not about me, but about making sure that nobody faces the same loneliness and trauma that I experienced.”

Lampstand Group runs art therapy sessions in Beverley, offering victims a safe and supportive space where they can express themselves through art, talk about their experiences, or simply sit quietly knowing they are in a caring environment.

Jennifer said, “Compassion heals. We meet people where they are at, whether they need housing, emotional support, or simply someone who understands what it’s like to walk this painful journey. We don’t tell people what to do—we empower them to make their own decisions and set their own pace.”

The charity is also working towards providing safe and nurturing accommodation for those fleeing domestic abuse, addressing the need for meaningful support in the midst of a chronic housing shortage.

Jennifer has urged anyone in abusive situations to reach out for help: “There are so many amazing services out there. We have a directory on our website. Abuse is not your fault, but you don’t have to suffer alone. Even if it’s hard, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Keep going forward.”

Jennifer also shared her advice for how friends and family can support survivors of abuse.

“It’s really important that you meet them where they are at,” Jennifer said. “Their boundaries have been shattered and distorted. They need space to rebuild their confidence, not control. Be patient, don’t judge, and stand with them. You could be the lifeline that helps them rebuild their lives.”

Jennifer added that society still has a long way to go when it comes to addressing domestic abuse, particularly in workplaces and family courts.

She highlighted the importance of equitable access to legal representation and compassionate understanding for survivors of abuse. She also noted that children, who are now recognised as victims in their own right, need special support to overcome the trauma they have experienced.

She hopes that her charity will continue to grow, offering resources and hope to those in need. For more information, visit the Lampstand Group website at www.lampstandgroup.co.uk.