A survivor of sexual and domestic abuse has shared her experiences with schools ahead of starting a supported accommodation project in the summer.
Eve Donnelly 37, from Kensington, faced sexual abuse at the hands of her partner. He was convicted of rape and sexual assault in 2017 after submitting Eve to a campaign of degradation between 2014 - 2017.
Since 2017 Eve has shared her experiences warning children and young people in schools in Liverpool and the Wirral. She will also be opening a supported accommodation project rEVErse NorthWest later this year to help women who have escaped abuse regain control of their lives.
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Eve told the ECHO: "I experienced severe domestic violence eventually taking my ex to court which led to him being sentenced to 23 years in prison. I'm keen to get my story out there, which will help women throughout Merseyside.
"My story is harrowing from being knocked unconscious on a daily basis to having a nervous breakdown leading me to have three separate counsellors per week for a year.
"I was on antidepressants during this time and the police officer in charge of my case, I would say he saved my life".
rEVErse NorthWest, with her name running though it symbolises a woman or child seeing themselves in a mirror. On reflection they see themself as they once were so they can regain their power and identity.
After her ex- partner’s conviction Eve began to rebuild her life and enrolled on a maths and English course before an access to university program. She graduated in Criminology from the University of Central Lancashire in December 2022.
Eve said: "I want to express things that can and will change if you know the signs and speak out. I want women to know my organisation will offer services no other will and will be completely non-judgemental to anyone. We will help every woman and child that we possibly can”.
Eve’s school workshops are tailored for the children with the school so they are age appropriate. She said: “My workshops are given to young people aged from 10 but mainly 13 - 16 year olds.
“The workshops aim to shock the children into realising what it is. I speak about statistics and how women commit suicide due to domestic violence.
"I differentiate between psychological and emotional abuse as some people don't know the difference. I explain about the physical and exploitation in the coercive behaviour like financial abuse, as he took a lot of money off me too".
Eve regularly facilitates these in partnership with the Cells Project, an organisation whose primary objective is to educate children and young people on the consequences of crime. They use props including a mobile prison cell and use trained support workers with lived experience who want to help children and young people avoid the mistakes they once made.
Currently working with The Women's Organisation to finalise her business plan, Eve said: "rEVEse NorthWest would consist of a multi-diverse staff team from varying backgrounds, cultures and religions with an on-site translator for the women and children we will support.
“We plan to aid women who are referred to us getting paid work, to help the community as a whole with somewhere for women to come if they are in need."
Eve concluded: "You have to choose a safe space and think of a safe way to get out of the situation that you're in. Speak to and get the help from as many people as possible.
"Women who have got out speak to people and tell them how you're feeling. Take any help that is offered whether that be counselling or medication.
“It will get better”.
For workshops and information visit Instagram @reverse_4321x HERE
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