When Hannah’s abusive marriage of 17 years ended, she said the impact on her children was clear.

“The kids have seen a lot of things they shouldn’t have to see,” she said.

“They were suffering, but I’m a dental nurse, I’m not a therapist. And because they all had different problems, I didn’t know how to help them.”

Hannah sought help and was supported by a Domestic Abuse Support Advisor – or DASA – who works alongside social work teams.

The 37-year-old said: “She helped me by making me feel like I wasn’t going crazy.

“She not only offered emotional support and help to feel safe, she was also there for practical things, so that really helped.”

Hannah said the children had also all benefited from individual support.

Hannah said she chose to speak publicly to encourage others to seek support.

She said: “You don’t feel like you deserve help because you’re an adult; you put yourself in this situation. But I highly recommend you take this help and you deserve it.”

The project which helped Hannah and her children has reached almost 900 families across Cornwall in two and a half years.

First Light, a domestic violence and sexual violence charity commissioned by Cornwall Council, employs DASAs.

Family DASAs work alongside designated social workers to provide face-to-face support, advice and guidance to families affected by domestic violence.

Team leader Sian Lawrence said it was all about breaking the cycle of abuse within a family.

She said: “If you were brought up in a family and there was abuse, that’s normal for you, and it’s about making sure that doesn’t continue.”

Rebecca Sargent, head of service and project lead at Cornwall Council, said domestic violence could have a huge impact on the lives of children and families.

“This can impact a child’s health, education and social needs, and there may be other issues such as housing and financial difficulties that children and families experience due to the domestic violence.

“Family DASAs are able to work with social workers and other social care staff to enable children and their families to access support, meaning they quickly get the help they need need.”

Ann Toms, head of domestic violence at First Light, said: “The DASA project has gone from strength to strength and now plays a vital and integral role in protecting children.

“From the beginning, we have shown that family DASAs have improved the lives of families and reduced risks. »

Hannah said: “With the help the children are getting and the help I have received, I know which path I need to take now.

“I’m not going back, I’m back on track.”