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Kate*s Story

Posted by Jenni James on 20 May 2026

I had come home one day to find that my husband had walked out on me. A few months prior to this I’d realised that there was abuse in my marriage, of pretty much every kind. I had tried to ask my church for help but didn’t feel believed – they seemed to minimise what was happening. 

I was in a very dark place. Firstly he’d left, secondly the shame that my marriage had broken down, thirdly that I’d been abused, and finally that I’d not be supported by the church I loved. 

Watch Kate’s story

Then a friend told me about Restored, and I reached out to them by email. I had a Zoom call with Hannah and it was so lovely. She told me that my experience was common, and she believed what I told her. I felt heard, believed and supported. 

Restored sees me in a way that other people don’t. They see that spiritual layer that’s such an important part of who I am. 

Since then I’ve joined an Own My Life Recovery course. It’s been fantastic to meet other women who have had a similar experience to me; together we’re learning about abuse and how to live joyously even after you’ve been through it. 

Many women like me aren’t believed or supported when they ask for help from their church. It leaves you wondering where you should go – should you give up your faith? Should you bottle up what’s happened and push it down? For me, being able to talk about it has been monumental.

I know that myself and the other women in the Survivors Network are just the tip of the iceberg. Restored needs to continue inspiring women to have a voice, and helping them to realise that there is hope after abuse – like they’ve done for me.