Back in the summer of 2024, we were contacted by a young woman in her 20s. She needed to move out urgently from her property on the outskirts of Bath. She was experiencing domestic violence from her partner. It was a situation we hadn’t handled before, but we knew we had to help.
Her partner’s violent behaviour usually followed football matches. During the Euros, he would drink heavily, and that’s when things got out of control. Sadly, it’s not uncommon. Research shows that domestic violence can spike during and after major football tournaments. What’s even more worrying is that one in three women in the UK, aged 18 to 59, will experience domestic violence at some point. It’s a shocking statistic and one that we didn’t fully grasp until then.
As a removals company in a male-dominated industry, learning this made us uncomfortable. We wanted to help, but we also knew we had to do it the right way. We had to be discreet, supportive, and above all, respectful of her situation.
We started by reassuring her that we would show up at the agreed time, without any fuss, and that we would keep everything confidential. She was worried about what might happen if her abusive partner showed up while we were there. We explained that we would remain professional, protect her and her belongings, and work as quickly and quietly as possible.
We also mentioned two charities we were aware of that could offer her further support: Women’s Aid and Refuge. These organisations are equipped to provide practical advice and emotional support for anyone in her situation.
On the day of the move, we followed a careful plan. We called her that evening to answer any last-minute questions and to reassure her that everything would go smoothly. To make it quicker and less stressful, we arranged for an extra team to help. Our aim was simple: pack, load, and move her as quickly as possible.
She was relocating to a family friend’s home, far from the area where she’d been living. We had everything packed and loaded within two hours, and by 1 pm, she was safely in her new home.
We’re pleased to say she is no longer in that abusive relationship. Her ex-partner is now in a facility provided by His Majesty, where he can no longer harm her.
Our Ongoing Commitment
Since that experience, we’ve become more aware of the issue of domestic abuse. At Now We’re Moving, we’ve worked with several local and national charities, churches, and organisations to raise awareness, funds, and support for victims of domestic violence and abuse.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic abuse, please don’t keep it to yourself. There are organisations out there that can help, and we’re here to support you with the practical side of things if you need to move quickly or quietly.
We understand that every situation is different. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation and need to leave your home, we’ll do everything we can to help you move safely. We’re not a registered charity, but we treat every case with sensitivity, and we will work with you to find the best way to get you to safety.
If you need our help, you can contact our director, Rick Higgins, directly. He’ll talk you through how we can support you in your situation.
Recognising the Signs of Domestic Abuse
Recognising domestic abuse isn’t always straightforward. It’s not always about physical violence. Abuse can take many forms—emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, and verbal. If you’re unsure, here are some of the warning signs that might suggest you’re in an abusive relationship.
Control and Power Imbalance
Your partner might try to control what you do, who you see, or where you go. They might make you feel like you can’t make decisions on your own. They might constantly check in on you or demand to know where you are at all times.
Isolation
They might try to cut you off from family, friends, or support networks. You could feel lonely even while being in a relationship. They might make you feel guilty for spending time with others.
Verbal and Emotional Abuse
They might insult you, call you names, or make you feel small. They might blame you for everything that goes wrong. Sometimes, they might make you doubt your own memory or question your sanity (this is known as gaslighting). They could use silent treatment to punish you or withdraw affection without explanation.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is any form of violence, like hitting, slapping, pushing, choking, or restraining. It could also involve threatening to hurt you, themselves, or someone else. They might damage your belongings or throw things during arguments.
Sexual Abuse
This includes pressuring or forcing you to have sex or do things you’re uncomfortable with. It could also involve refusing to use protection during sex, sabotaging birth control, or ignoring your boundaries and consent.
Financial Abuse
They might control your access to money, force you to account for every penny you spend, or prevent you from working. They might take your money or use your name to run up debts.
Intimidation and Threats
They might threaten to harm you, your loved ones, or even your pets. They could use looks, gestures, or actions to scare you. Displaying weapons or using them to frighten you is also a form of intimidation.
Manipulation and Guilt-Tripping
They might twist your words or actions to make you feel guilty. They might act like the victim, making you feel responsible for their behaviour. They could promise to change but never actually do.
Jealousy and Possessiveness
They might accuse you of cheating without any evidence. They could get angry if you talk to other people, even friends or co-workers. They might treat you more like property than a partner.
Love-Bombing and the Cycle of Abuse
Sometimes, an abuser can seem incredibly loving and affectionate after a violent or abusive episode. This is often called the “honeymoon phase.” They might apologise, give you gifts, and promise never to hurt you again. But then the abuse starts again, creating a never-ending cycle.
What to Do If You Recognise These Signs
If any of this sounds familiar—whether in your own relationship or in someone else’s—it’s important to seek help. Abuse is never your fault. And you don’t have to face it alone.
Women’s Aid (https://www.womensaid.org.uk/) and Refuge (https://refuge.org.uk/) are two charities that provide support, advice, and safe spaces for anyone experiencing domestic violence. You can contact them confidentially, and they can help you make a safety plan.
If you’re thinking of leaving an abusive relationship, planning is essential. Make sure you have your important documents, some money, a phone, and any medication you need. If you’re worried about being monitored, try to use a friend’s phone or computer to seek help.
And if you need practical help moving out quickly, we’re here. We know it’s not just about moving boxes—it’s about moving your life to safety. You can reach out to us directly, and we’ll make sure we handle everything with care, discretion, and understanding.
