A woman who says she suffered years of domestic and sexual abuse is speaking out in support of victims and survivors.
Dionne Simpson created a fictional character, Donna Ward, to enable her to speak about what she says are her own experiences of abuse within - and after - a relationship, and to support others.
Now, Dionne has decided to reveal her true identity to highlight the ongoing risks to victims of abuse, even after they have left their abuser. No criminal charges were made against Dionne's ex-husband.
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Dionne told the ECHO: "We always hear stories about women trapped in domestic abuse relationships but rarely hear about women like me, who had the courage to leave but still faced ongoing danger from ex-partners. Reforms like Clare’s Law and the updated Domestic Abuse Act 2021, go some way to acknowledging the ongoing problems victims face.
"More needs to be done not only to protect victims, but to prosecute offenders. This requires new laws and new protections for victims of sexual and domestic abuse.
“A lot of the abuse I received at the time was not considered a crime, such as coercive control and financial abuse, which was only just added to the Domestic Abuse Act in 2021.
"My ex-husband was spoken to by the police on many occasions, but this never led to any charges”.
Dionne managed to obtain a non-molestation order on two occasions, but these only lasted 12 months each time.
The Office for National Statistics, in its crime survey for England and Wales, states: "Approximately one in five adults aged 16 years and over (10.4 million) had experienced domestic abuse since the age of 16 years."
It goes on to say: "The police recorded 1,500,369 domestic abuse-related incidents and crimes in England and Wales in the year ending March 2022."
Dionne works for The Crossing Point Domestic Abuse Service, a registered charity in Kensington. They provide hope, education and support to anyone affected by domestic abuse.
She shares a regular blog, Donna’s Diary and a podcast, Purpose in the Pain, to campaign and shine a spotlight on issues faced by abuse survivors as well as encouragement, hope and self-care. Dionne will be supporting the UK Says No More week 2023 from March 5 - 12, dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault by increasing awareness, inspiring action and fuelling culture change. She is also fundraising for The Crossing Point service and you can donate to Just Giving page HERE.
After receiving assistance from The Crossing Point service Dionne became a volunteer before securing a part-time post as a social media and support worker. Dionne said: "I will be campaigning via social media sharing information, statistics, stories and fundraising for The Crossing Point service".
Prior to Dionne getting help from The Crossing Point service she had received no help from an organisation other than being put in a safe hostel for a time when removed from her home for her safety by the police.
Dionne added: "26,789 domestic abuse offences were recorded by Merseyside Police in 2020-21, making up 21% of all offences recorded that year."
Manager of The Crossing Point, Diane Jones said: "Anyone who's experienced domestic abuse will know the devastating impact it has on your life, your very heart, your very soul. Dionne’s book ‘Forged By Fire’ confronts you with the reality of just what that looks and feels like.
"Having someone on your team like Dionne, who has lived experience of abuse and is able to share and work from that, is so meaningful and goes a long way in being able to relate to others who have suffered abuse. Also the passion and drive that filters through everything she puts her mind to at The Crossing Point."
The Crossing Point was founded in 2014 by a registered nurse who witnessed first-hand the impact of domestic abuse. They provide support, education and training for men, women and young people affected by domestic abuse, including work in secondary schools and teaching others how to walk alongside those affected by abuse.
In addition to direct work with victims, they operate with other services by modelling a “reach and teach” approach. This includes a range of education programmes to raise awareness and tackle ignorance around domestic abuse and related topics.
Dionne concluded: "Despite multiple attempts to silence me from speaking out against domestic abuse, sharing my experiences and signposting to support, I refuse to back down."
For information on The Crossing Point visit HERE.
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