Maria Lonergan Counselling & Psychotherapy

20/07/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1527ZcD31d/?mibextid=wwXIfr

A powerful documentary airing tonight centres on the voices of those who’ve lived through domestic abuse and the challenges they’ve faced. Led by former MP Kate Kniveton, the documentary offers an honest look at the reality for victim-survivors, particularly after a relationship ends.

As part of the documentary, the team visited Surrey and joined a shift to observe how domestic abuse calls are responded to. In one short segment, you’ll see PCs Charlie and Toby on their way to a call, reflecting on how they try to ensure the person at the heart of it feels heard and supported.

We know that reaching out for help can be incredibly difficult. For some, it may take several reports before they feel in a position to take that next step. As Charlie says: “If on the 7th time they call us, they do feel like they can make a statement and that’s the action that makes them leave, then that’s what we’re there for.”

To anyone living with abuse: you are not alone. We believe you. We’re here for you.

📺 Watch “Breaking the Silence: Kate’s Story” at 10.20pm tonight (20 July) on ITV.

14/07/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16vypeFTBG/?mibextid=wwXIfr

On Friday, officers from across the force, including dog handlers and plain-clothed behaviour detection officers, were out in , patrolling night-time venues such as bars, clubs, and pubs.

This proactive work is just one example of how we’re targeting perpetrators and working to build trust, especially among women and girls, who we know can often feel unsafe in some public spaces. This is something which is sadly echoed in a recent survey by Surrey County Council, focused on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

Everyone deserves to feel safe enjoying our towns. That’s why we’re working with partners to look closely at the survey findings and take action based on what our communities are telling us matter most, from improving access to support services to using data to guide our patrols.

Continue to help us shape where we focus – report areas where you feel unsafe using StreetSafe (link in the comments ⬇️ ). This guides where we deploy our teams and work with local partners to improve safety measures.

12/06/2025

08/05/2025

Love the sentiment in this….

"Today was a Difficult Day," said Pooh.
There was a pause.
"Do you want to talk about it?" asked Piglet.
"No," said Pooh after a bit. "No, I don't think I do."
"That's okay," said Piglet, and he came and sat beside his friend.
"What are you doing?" asked Pooh.
"Nothing, really," said Piglet. "Only, I know what Difficult Days are like. I quite often don't feel like talking about it on my Difficult Days either.
"But goodness," continued Piglet, "Difficult Days are so much easier when you know you've got someone there for you. And I'll always be here for you, Pooh."
And as Pooh sat there, working through in his head his Difficult Day, while the solid, reliable Piglet sat next to him quietly, swinging his little legs...he thought that his best friend had never been more right."
A.A. Milne

◆ PS ◆

30/04/2025

This survivor's words echo what many others have experienced at the hands of the family court. These are not isolated cases—they are the consequence of a broken system that needs urgent reform.

27/04/2025

Sadly when you leave an abusive relationship you may not always get the support and understanding from family and friends that simply did not see the abuse happening behind closed doors

It is however important you keep reminding yourself why you left as the trauma bonding created in abusive relationships can draw you back along with those around you seeing your abuser as kind, charming and the victim because you left.

26/04/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1F1BxFCJcU/?mibextid=wwXIfr

How can we use the drama triangle method to better understand relationship dynamics? 💡 https://ow.ly/BAou50Tt8E4

26/04/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15jy6MnYiL/?mibextid=wwXIfr

26/04/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1925nAC6dy/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Have you heard of Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs)?

SPOs were introduced in January 2020. They protect victim-survivors by addressing behaviours before they become more severe.

Perpetrators can face restrictions such as having to notify police of new relationships and make devices available to police for examination upon request. If breached, an individual could face prison time of up to five years.

We applied for our first SPO within a week of the legislation being in place and remain committed to using the Stalking Protection Act proactively.

Surrey Police currently has 65 SPOs in place with another 12 in progress, the highest number in the country per 1,000 crimes. That’s a 300% increase in the last five years.

Yet we are striving for more.

Early intervention is vital in stalking cases, and we are implementing SPOs sooner in investigations to safeguard victim-survivors.

You can help too by and reporting it to authorities or contacting the National Stalking Helpline.

08/04/2025

Channel 5. Are you autistic 7pm Tuesday 8th April

Appearing in a new Channel 5 documentary, which airs tonight, NHS GP Dr Claire Taylor explored some of the key symptoms of autism.