A Glimmer of Hope

This is a true account of what I thought was a second chance of love and happiness after a sequence of life altering events. I was ready to begin a new chapter in my life, and that is exactly how it began. Little did I know that my vulnerability was being taken advantage of, for what I thought was a blossoming new relationship quickly turned into a violent and fearful fight for survival after three years.

I have recorded my story in the hope to raise awareness about domestic abuse but to also show any survivors that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Here is my story.

Frances Matthews, is an ordinary 52-year-old woman. She was born in a small town in Oxfordshire, into a loving family, whose life began just like anyone else’s. She started work at 16 and married at 25. She then suffered a life-threatening illness, eight days after marrying. She had two daughters, and two granddaughters; went through a double sudden loss of parents, followed by a divorce after 30 years.

She embarked on a new relationship, and had written this true story on what turned out to be a personal, almost fatal relationship that went terribly wrong. She is now on the long road to rehabilitation.