Meet a Guest Suzy
Suzy is 20 years old and moved in with her 21-year-old partner in 2013. From the start the relationship was abusive, with regular episodes of violence involving the police. On Christmas Eve this year he stamped on her foot so hard that he broke her ankle in two places. She was admitted to hospital but he visited her on Christmas day when he smashed her broken foot into the metal bed frame. The police were called and he was arrested, but bailed to his and Suzy’s home. When she was discharged from hospital after two weeks, the Domestic Violence charity that was trying to help her was unable to find a refuge. The Council told her that she wasn’t vulnerable, she had no priority and that she was ‘Lewisham’s problem’! Eventually, they contacted us and luckily we were able to offer Suzy a bed. Suzy was worried about being in a mixed environment, but she says feels safe at SFTS. She has an interview for supported housing tomorrow and today her ex was sentenced to six years for GBH. We really hope to be saying bye bye to Suzy very soon!