Taking Our Lives Back One Step at a Time 100 Mile Challenge

This week, The Guardian* reported that suicides connected to domestic abuse are being significantly underreported in England and Wales. The figures suggest that as many as 1,500 victims may be taking their own lives each year. Campaigners are urging improved police training and more thorough investigations whenever a victim of domestic abuse dies by suicide.

Living as a survivor of domestic abuse can be isolating, with ups and downs that come in waves. But there are many free, independent local and national organisations ready to support you along the way, you don’t have to face it alone.

*theguardian.com/society/2026/feb/15/number-uk-women-suicide-domestic-abuse-under-reported-say-experts

Surviours voice 🗣:
During my relationship, I became cut off from friends and family. The perpetrator’s needs always came before my own, and over time my only support network was made up of his friends and relatives. After I reported the abuse to the police, I found myself completely isolated. His family and friends cut ties with me, angry that I had involved the authorities. The loss of support, combined with the impact of the abuse, left me feeling suicidal.
Thankfully, I was able to access help through my GP, Women’s Aid and TDAS, which kept me safe during the darkest time in my life. Looking back, it still frightens me how real those thoughts of suicide were. Without the support of domestic abuse services, I don’t know what might have happened. That is why I am determined to raise money for these vital organisations.

89.704 miles outstanding 🚶🏻‍♀🚶🏾‍♀🚶🏿‍♀🚶🏽‍♀🚶🏼‍♀

Isolation is a common and deeply damaging consequence of domestic abuse and unhealthy relationships.

In the early stages of a controlling relationship, isolation often presents itself as affection. A partner may seek to spend all their time with the individual, behaviour that can initially feel flattering and normal. While it is common for people to prioritise new relationships at first, healthy relationships naturally regain balance over time, allowing space for friends, family, work, and personal interests. In controlling relationships, this balance is often deliberately disrupted, and attempts to create space can become increasingly difficult.

Abusive partners frequently isolate individuals from their existing support networks as a means of increasing power and control. This may include pressuring or demanding that contact with friends, family members, or colleagues is reduced or stopped altogether. Individuals may also be encouraged or forced to withdraw from social spaces, routines, and activities that previously provided connection, identity, and wellbeing.

As isolation becomes normalised, it often develops into an unspoken routine, creating expectations about how time, attention, and behaviour “should” be directed. These expectations are incompatible with healthy relationships and significantly undermine autonomy, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.

For individuals currently experiencing abuse, or those who have recently left an abusive relationship, isolation frequently results in loneliness, reduced access to support, and increased barriers to recovery. Strong, trusted support networks are critical to both safety and healing. They provide emotional support, practical assistance, perspective, and opportunities to rebuild confidence and independence.

TDAS addresses this need by providing a dedicated voice and community support service for people who have experienced domestic abuse. The service brings survivors together in a safe, non-judgemental environment to learn about domestic abuse, reduce isolation, and share lived experiences. Through peer support, education, and facilitated discussion, participants are supported to rebuild social connections, increase understanding of abuse dynamics, and move towards healing and long-term recovery.

Taking Our Lives Back One Step at a Time aim is to provide peer support and connect survivors- here are some voices:

"When I talk to my family about what I have been through, they just dont get it but when I speak to you guys I dont have to explain it."

"I honestly am so grateful for you all. My life is so much richer to have met you. I feel liberated"

94,112 miles outstanding 🚶🏻‍♀🚶🏾‍♀🚶🏿‍♀🚶🏽‍♀🚶🏼‍♀