Speaking to Erica helped me see that my safety was at risk
Rachael Bews, 26, Ross-shire
I had moved to Italy but began to have concerns that I might be in danger.
I needed to speak to somebody so I searched online for what support was available and came across the helpline.
I remember saying, “I don’t know if I need to be calling but I can’t figure this out by myself.”
Erica said, “Don’t worry about figuring it out. Just tell me what’s been going on.” I immediately felt at ease.
Speaking to her gave me clarity to see the danger I was in.
For some time, I had been trying to convince myself that things surely couldn’t be as bad as they were. Speaking to Erica validated my experience and I knew I needed to do something about the situation I was in.
I couldn’t get a flight straight away so I made the decision to stay an extra 72 hours.
Erica had given me advice on how to leave in the safest way possible. By that point, I really felt like I was fleeing for my life so the practical support of how to actually get out was invaluable.
Without speaking to Erica, I don’t know if I’d have made it out.
Speaking to Erica was completely pivotal to my life as I know it now.
She was a friendly voice at the end of the phone who ended up saving my life.
It’s incredible to have met her now and say in person how grateful I was for her help.