"I thought I would bounce back, but actually I was going under... Jackie from Victim Support helped me get things into perspective again".

Danielle Terry was raped then, a week later, stabbed and left for dead by her former partner. Her youngest daughter witnessed the rape. After the second attack, neighbours heard the police and ambulance sirens wailing outside on the street where she was lying unconscious.

Danielle went into a state of deep shock after recovering from the physical wounds and was unable to return to her job as a carer for the elderly. Her five children were suffering too.

Even long after the attack when Danielle had seen her attacker jailed for eight years, she was still unable to leave the house alone or bear anyone to come too close. "I'd got to the point where I didn't want to live any more. Jackie was always there during this time and gradually managed to get me back on my feet. She was practical and did things like filling in forms to help me get criminal injuries compensation and Income Support. "Look, Danielle" she'd say, "you can do this". Victim Support has been a lifeline for me - there's no doubt about that."