On Wednesday, 12th March, East Surrey Domestic Abuse Services (ESDAS) welcomed an audience of over 120 guests at The Light cinema, Redhill to view ‘From Darkness to Light: A Survivor’s Journey’; a short film that follows a domestic abuse Survivor’s journey with ESDAS from fear and uncertainty into healing and hope.
Your Marketing Team have worked closely with ESDAS since June last year as they seek to raise awareness of the services they provide and, to reassure those in need of help that ESDAS is a safe space with no agenda or expectation. Through our work with ESDAS, we collectively agreed that the power of videography would resonate strongly with their audience.
Through the film, directed & produced by Lee Mancini, Agility Films, we aimed to break down barriers and demystify the process of reaching out for help. We wanted to capture a deeper insight into the Survivor’s perspective; to make the journey to safety and healing more accessible and less daunting for anyone in need through reassurance and validation.
The film also sheds light on the scale of the demand for domestic abuse support in our local area, and the vital role that the breadth of ESDAS’ support services and wider agency connections play in Survivors’ safety and the path to recovery.
Michelle Blunsom MBE, CEO of ESDAS highlights the importance of harnessing lived-experience within the organisation, with approximately 75% of the team, from volunteers to support workers to counsellors, bringing unique perspectives and understanding through their own lived-experience.
With guests from local media, Surrey Police, Partner Agencies, Survivors and ESDAS Outreach Workers, Counsellors and volunteers, introductions were made by Michelle Blunsom MBE, Michelle Arnold, Chair of ESDAS, Lisa Townsend, Surrey Police Crime & Commissioner and Beccy Tombs, Your Marketing Team Lead Consultant for ESDAS. Following the film, Michelle hosted a Q&A session following the premiere with Lisa Townsend, the Survivors featured in the film and Film Director, Lee Mancini.
Guests were given paper leaves to write down their thoughts on the film and messages of hope which were displayed on a tree kindly designed and donated by Amelia from Awesome 3D Printing. The tree is now displayed in ESDAS’ offices.
The event attracted coverage on the evening BBC News, BBC Surrey Radio and Radio Jackie.
Reflecting on creating the film, Michelle Blunsom MBE said:
“Domestic abuse is a crisis that thrives in silence, and today, we break that silence. This film is not just a story; it is a beacon of hope, a call to action, and a reminder that no one should have to face abuse alone. Through the courageous testimonies in this film, we seek to demystify the process of seeking help and to dismantle the barriers that too often prevent survivors from reaching out.
We want to shine a light on the incredible work of specialist domestic abuse services—services that offer more than just support; they offer safety, dignity, and a path to recovery. They validate experiences, rebuild shattered confidence, and help survivors reclaim their lives.
But while this is a film of resilience and hope, we also acknowledge the painful reality that too many women do not get the chance to tell their stories. We dedicate this film to those who lost their lives to domestic abuse. Their lives mattered, and their absence is a reminder of the urgent work that still needs to be done.
Ending domestic abuse is not just the responsibility of survivors or support services. It is a responsibility that belongs to each and every one of us—as individuals, as communities, as a society. We must raise our voices, start conversations, challenge harmful attitudes, and call out abuse wherever it exists. Because change begins when we refuse to look away.
Watch ‘From Darkness to Light: A Survivor’s Journey’ here:
Film Directed and Produced by Agility Films
To follow: During filming, the interviewees discussed some of the latest National Statistics on Domestic Abuse. Their subsequent conversation highlighted the immense difficulties faced by so many survivors of domestic abuse, the barriers to seeking help and the plethora of complexities that Outreach Workers must navigate on a daily basis to support those who call in to ESDAS. We have summarised their discussion in our next Insight.
Contact ESDAS
If you are ready to seek help or know of someone who needs help, contact ESDAS here.
Call: 01737 771350 | Email: support@esdas.org.uk
If you would like to find out how to support the work of ESDAS through fundraising, volunteering or partnering with the organisation via corporate sponsorship, find more information here.