From darkness to light: finding hope beyond domestic abuse

For many years I lived in silence. Behind closed doors I faced fear, control and pain that I could not speak about. I told myself that things would change, that if I tried harder or prayed more, it would get better. Like so many women, I believed that love meant endurance and that keeping the peace meant staying quiet. But each day I was losing a little more of myself.

Domestic abuse is often hidden behind smiles and polite conversations. It grows in silence and shame. I thought I was alone, that no one would believe me, and that I had nowhere to go. The voice of fear told me to stay, but deep inside I knew that this was not the life God wanted for me.

Through prayer, gentle guidance and the quiet whisper of God’s love, I began to see the truth.

Through prayer, gentle guidance and the quiet whisper of God’s love, I began to see the truth. I was never meant to live in fear. God had created me for freedom, peace and dignity. The moment I reached out for help was the moment everything began to change. It was not easy. Leaving an abusive situation takes courage and strength that many do not see. But step by step, with the support of caring professionals and the power of faith, I began to rebuild my life.

READ MORE: ‘Domestic abuse can be a difficult subject for the church, and I am trying to change that’

In the midst of my healing, God placed a new calling in my heart. I knew that I wanted to help others who were still trapped in silence and fear. That vision became The Lampstand Group, a registered charity based in Hull and East Yorkshire, created to provide support for those escaping domestic abuse.

Our name comes from Matthew 5:15, “Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” We believe every person carries a light within them that cannot be extinguished by abuse. Through compassion, faith and practical support, we help survivors rediscover that light and step into hope and healing.

At The Lampstand Group we walk beside survivors, offering emotional support and access to counselling, support groups and recovery activities.

At The Lampstand Group we walk beside survivors, offering emotional support and access to counselling, support groups and recovery activities. Many people escaping abuse face barriers to finding safety. Fear, shame, financial struggles and lack of housing all make leaving harder. We exist to remove those barriers and to remind each person that they are not alone.

READ MORE: Is the UK Government’s new ‘flee fund’ for survivors of domestic abuse a good idea?

We are now working towards providing safe accommodation for those escaping domestic abuse, homes where survivors can find stability, dignity and space to heal. Alongside this, we are developing plans for a church community hub, a place where faith and practical support come together. This hub will offer worship, prayer, counselling and community gatherings, helping survivors rebuild their lives in fellowship and faith.

We also see God’s hand in raising up future leaders. Through training and discipleship, we want to equip survivors and community members to become pastors and ministry leaders, using their stories of redemption to bring light to others still walking through darkness. Healing after abuse is not a straight path. It takes time, patience and faith. There are days when the past feels heavy and hope seems distant. But through community, prayer and the loving presence of God, light begins to return. We see women begin to smile again, to laugh, to dream and to rebuild their lives with confidence and peace.

READ MORE: Is your church dedicated to raising awareness of domestic abuse?

To any woman reading this who feels trapped, unseen or afraid: please know that you are not alone. What is happening to you is not your fault. You deserve to be safe, valued and free. Reaching out for help is not weakness, it is courage. It is the first step toward a life of freedom and healing.

And to the Church, this is a call to action. We are the body of Christ, called to bring light where there is darkness and to stand beside those who are suffering. You can be part of the answer.

Visit our website and click on our call to action to see how you and your church can help us bring hope, healing and safe accommodation to those in need. You are invited to join us in building a community where no one suffers in silence, where faith leads to freedom and where every life can shine again.