Celebrating 15 years
Posted by Jenni James on 30 October 2025
On the 22nd October, we celebrated 15 years of Restored. It was a joy to gather together with so many people who have been part of our story since Restored was established in 2010, looking back at all that we’ve achieved together.
We heard from our co-founders Peter and Mandy about how they each heard God’s clear call to act: Peter with a desire to see men standing up against Violence Against Women and Girls, and Mandy with a passion to call the church to action. It was clear that from the beginning, Restored would be more than the sum of its parts, pioneering campaigns, resources and research on an international level to end gender-based violence in and through church communities.
Esther and Emma shared the story of the Survivors Network, which has grown from just seven members to over 900 since its launch in 2010. Initially beginning with email support and an archive of blogs about recovery and faith, the Survivors Network now includes peer-support groups, recovery courses and even an annual retreat where members can get together in person to form friendships and spend time with God in an environment that feels safe.
It was a privilege to be joined by Domestic Abuse Commissioner Dame Nicole Jacobs and hear her encouragement to us as we continue on in our mission. In a landscape where most support services are secular and focussed on immediate crisis response, Dame Nicole emphasised the importance of support that meets the particular needs of people of faith, and is there for the long-haul of domestic abuse recovery.
At the heart of the evening were the stories of brave survivors who have been supported by Restored. Josie* explained how life changing it was to find a community of others who understood her experience of abuse and her faith, describing how the Survivors Network has become her sisterhood. Situ* told us how the support from her church – part of the Restored Beacon Network – had allowed her to ‘live a blossom life’, as she’s loved unconditionally and treated ‘as a whole person, not half.’
Now, we’re looking ahead to the next fifteen years and beyond, ready to continue following God’s call to “speak up and do something” (Judges 19:30). We’ll keep raising awareness of Violence Against Women and Girls, equipping the Church to respond to domestic abuse and supporting survivors. Will you join us?
*Names changed
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