“IT’S not my fault I was abused but it’s made to feel like it is my fault. All I want is for me and my children to be safe and not feel like I am begging for support.”
Those are the words of one of the 100 responses to a survey launched to find out more about the cost of living crisis across the region.
The two surveys were launched last month one for those who are victims and another for services who offer support.
They were launched by West Midlands Victims’ Commissioner Nicky Brennan to look into the impact the cost of living crisis is having on female victims of domestic abuse and support services which help them.
The results are currently being analysed before being used to help us campaign for targeted support to areas most in need.
But the Victim’s Commissioner said an early snapshot has revealed a worrying trend – that more women feel unable to leave their abusers as they are either being economically abused, or unable to get enough resources together to flee to safety.
Other responses include: “Sometimes I think about going back because at least he had a job.”
“I have to use a mobility device to walk most days. I can’ t even walk to a bus or run if he and when the abuse starts.”
“I am to the point I only look to obtain finances to leave. I want my car back, or a cheap anything that I can leave him and let him have everything here. I just want my own transportation to escape and get doctor care, new home, new life.”
Ms Brennan said: “Reading the dozens of responses has reduced me to tears.
“There are so many women out there in the West Midlands who are trapped due to the cost of living crisis and I feel it is only a matter of time before a woman dies because of this.
“So many are having their finances controlled by their abuser, while many more are unable to get together enough money to flee to a refuge or somewhere else safe.
“Once we have a clear picture I plan on taking the results to the new government demanding support for these victims. I will do everything in my power to support victims.”
