This blog is about hope and finding the inner power to change your life.
Thirty years ago, I was sleeping in my car with my three young kids, trying to escape my abusive partner who had threatened my child’s life by dangling her out of a window. I was totally lost, scared, and had nowhere to turn. One desperate day, I even thought of running him over as I saw him cross the road. If it weren’t for my baby son being in the car with me, I probably would have done it after so many years of sexual and mental abuse that he inflicted on my young family. Through the tears, I slammed on the brakes just in time. It was a defining moment. I didn’t look back.
Fast forward to today, and my life is totally transformed. The terrible trauma I suffered at the hands of my abuser and tormentor has made me stronger and the person I am today.
I founded STORM in 2004 for the many millions of women like me who suffer domestic abuse in silence.
Our one mission is to give women a voice and help empower them and their families to live a better life free from the miserable cycle of daily violence.
It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m so proud of what we have achieved in the last two decades. A trusted lifeline in the community, we have helped over 5000 women escape domestic violence, and 1000 young people make better life choices.
Today is a milestone moment for the charity. The launch of our new brand and website marks an exciting new chapter in STORM’s story.
This is more than a fresh lick of paint for the charity. It goes deeper and wider. There’s so much work to do: one in four women will suffer domestic violence in their lifetime. And that won’t change unless we all work together to change the culture. Whether it’s sexualised AI-generated images of women and children on X, or the celebration of toxic masculinity, which is polluting young minds: Enough is enough.
Too many women have suffered in silence for far too long. We must end domestic violence in all its abhorrent forms.
Our new strategy moving forward is all about real and lasting impact:
- We want to help more women to tell their stories and amplify their voices, here at home and more widely, across the UK.
- We want to deliver more practical help by providing women escaping domestic violence with the tools to take their first step towards freedom and rebuild their lives. That’s why we’re launching our new starter packs, which include opening a new bank account, the provision of emergency accommodation, and providing a simple toothbrush.
- We want to raise our public profile to ramp up the pressure on the government and local politicians to end the national emergency of domestic violence.
Today is an opportunity to celebrate our past, present and future. And also, to thank all the amazing people and partners who have helped us along the way.
First and foremost, I want to thank the women themselves who have endured domestic violence – their courage and bravery are constant sources of inspiration to everyone here at the charity.
Their harrowing stories are our daily motivation to keep STORM’s work going. And the young people we have helped over the years with our education and skills training courses – hopefully, we have given many of them the tools to turn away from knife crime and lead their best lives.
And if you and your family are currently suffering alone and in silence, please know we are here for you. There is hope. From counselling sessions to emergency accommodation to accessing specialist legal help, we are your place of safety.
A huge thank you to our funders: Wandsworth Council, The National Lottery and all our amazing sponsors [I will add the list here xxxx]
We are lucky to have very passionate and engaged Patrons – Sabrina, Will and Chukwudi are a big source of personal support, and we are truly indebted to them.
And, of course, the army of community volunteers (our STORM Troopers) who help the charity thrive, and our incredibly supportive Trustees – [will add in their names xxxxx. Anyone else you want to thank?]
We’d also like to thank our friends at GoFetchPress.com, who built the website, refreshed the brand, and helped us with PR. Their creativity, skill and energy will help the charity raise its profile and take us to the next level.
My final and deepest thanks go to my six wonderful children, who always believed in me, and their perpetual light helped me through my darkest moments. They are my biggest achievement.
This blog is all about hope. And that’s where I am today. Full of hope for the future.
Please take the time to explore our new website and donate if you can.
Let’s keep up the momentum and draw strength from each other. Our special community shines brightest when we all work together and share our remarkable talents. Collectively, we make a difference.
Stop the silence. End domestic violence.
Peace and love.
Marie
Marie Hanson, MBE
March 2026