A domestic violence campaigner who spoke at the Labour Party conference to encourage more women to get involved in politics and other decision making roles to create change has written a book about her own ordeal.

The Lioness Circle founded by Lioness Tamar is a specialist support network in Thornton Heath, for BAME (Black and minority ethnic) women and girl survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence (DASV). 

In association with Women’s International month, the Lioness Circle  is holding a event on March 13 at St Paul’s Church celebrating the journey of all female victims and survivors in Croydon.

Tamar will be  launching her book – The Lioness Uncaged -and there will be 

survivors stories, presentations, stalls, performances, along with panel discussions during the event from 3pm to 9pm .

Before setting up the Lioness Circle, Tamar obtained a 2:1 degree in Law and Business at the University of Brighton and had built a successful career in the financial industry. After years of therapy to overcome childhood sexual abuse, domestic abuse, rape, physical and mental health issues, Tamar made a huge transition in her career when she trained to become a domestic abuse practitioner.

 She has volunteered at the Family Justice Centre and empowered hundreds of women and girls’ survivors rebuilding their lives through the Lioness Circle since 2017.

Through peer to peer support, mentoring, wellbeing workshops, fitness classes, signposting to counselling and other services as well as hand holding services.

The six monthly empowerment programmes have supported  survivors through many real life emotionally and mentally challenging situations.

These include  violent relationships breakups, family and immigration court cases, housing and welfare issues, parental issues, rebuilding confidence and self-esteem, creating healthy relationships and setting up their own community projects.

The support network has also made it easier for beneficiaries of the services to attend weekly meet-ups by providing free breakfast and lunch as well as a crèche service. 

Initially the Lioness Circle started through a six months self funded pilot but has  since attracted some funding from Croydon Homestart (ABCD project); Croydon Council, Croydon Community ward budgets, and Almshouse Charity, along with  donations. It also receives food donations from Tesco Fareshare. 

Tamar  said: “This area of domestic abuse is highly underfunded when the recovery process of survivors is so deeply complicated.

“As domestic abuse is a public health issue in Croydon, with the highest amount of reported cases in all London boroughs, I’d like to see much more being done to support survivors and enable grass root organisations like mine to become more sustainable so we can continue doing this well needed work.

“The video of me sharing my story nationally in front of thousands of people at the Labour Party annual conference in 2019 is evidence of my own growth. I’m walking in my light and I am determined to continue representing and inspiring women and girls survivors all over the world.”

Tamar added: “We recognise that the impact of abuse and violence can be very complex, long lasting and affects ALL areas of our lives.

“As a result of the healing work the women at the Lioness Circle are experiencing, they’ve expressed a strong desire to share their stories of overcoming abuse and violence through an anthology book and short film documentary.

“This will be a fantastic opportunity for these women to become the change they want to see as it will highlight their deeply sensitive success stories and bring hope to many more who have gone/going through similar lived experiences.“

To get your free ticket for the March event visit: www.survivors-thriving-international-womens-day-event.e…

For more information: www.lionesstamar.com  or follow the network on social media Twitter @lionesscircle and Facebook @lionesstamar