WATCH: Rape survivor sets up Dundee support group for abused women
Valerie, not her real name, feared for her life when the man she was dating attacked her.
Last updated 28th Jul 2021
A new women's group in Dundee, headed up by a rape survivor, is looking to provide welfare and practical support for others who've been abused.
Valerie, not her real name, feared for her life when the man she was dating attacked her.
She found comfort from WRASAC but struggled when her one to one programme ended.
She's now launched a weekly group session at the Boomerang Centre in a bid to help people who may be on waiting lists for other services, or haven't yet shared their abuse.
"I didn't have a clue how to start my life over. I didn't know how to do my finances, I didn't know how to change a tyre, I basically didn't know how to live," she said.
"The world was a very, very scary place for me back then"
"I had severe PTSD, I couldn't leave the house, I couldn't use public transport. I was scared of the world, I couldn't even open my blinds.
"I felt useless, I almost went back to that night again where I felt helpless. I felt like a victim again because I was having to rely on other people to do these things for me when I didn't want to have a man in my house to change a lightbulb or do other jobs."
Valerie launched her classes this months after several months working with the Boomerang Community Centre to get the project up and running.
Her sessions have included a writing class to improve wellbeing and help with potential feelings of depression.
Dundee has the highest rate of domestic abuse cases in Scotland.
"There are also a lot of women who don't even report it, added Valerie.
"They might not be able to use the likes of your women's aid or your WRASAC because how do you explain that to a partner you're trying to leave?
"There is also a six to eight month waiting list for these services, but we're just a small intimate group at the moment.
"I'm not trying to take away from those services, I'm trying to enhance support for women. After therapy you're kind of left with no support, I think this fills in that gap."